Burke Back in the Booth, A Week to Remember for Fuehring

New York Islanders broadcaster Brendan Burke is back on the call Thursday night after missing the last five games while in COVID-19 protocol a spokesperson for MSG Networks told NYI Hockey Now. He entered protocol on the morning of Apr. 19, as Bridgeport Islanders broadcaster Alan Fuehring was recalled on an emergency basis.

Great job by @AlanFuehring – who didn’t know he was going to have to call this game when he woke up this morning. https://t.co/Og2PuJE1FI

— Brendan Burke (@brendanmburke) April 20, 2022

Fuehring had called New York Islanders games before, both on television and on the radio prior to this call-up.

He made his Islanders debut last season, as he called their 3-2 shootout win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Apr. 3 of 2021. Radio broadcaster Chris King was out with COVID-19.

“I’ll always remember April 3, 2021,” Fuehring said in a tweet following that win. “Wishing the best for Kinger and hoping he’s back very soon, but what a night with Greg Picker in the booth. An Isles shootout win made it that much better.” 

Due to a scheduling conflict, Fuehring filled in for Burke back a few weeks ago on Apr. 9 as he called the Islanders’ 6-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues.

Went from bringing him game sheets and corn dog bites in the Carver Arena press box, to stealing his TV chair. (for one night only – don't get upset #Isles fans !!)

Thanks Peoria. Thanks Burkie. https://t.co/84W4ujfVSf

— Alan Fuehring (@AlanFuehring) April 9, 2022

But anytime you get another crack at the NHL level, it’s an accomplishment.

And on Tuesday, when the New York Islanders defeated the Washington Capitals 4-1 to snap a five-game skid, Alan Fuehring notched his first Islanders win from behind the television mic.

After the win, the Islanders awarded Fuehring a game puck with tape that read “4-1 First NHL Win”.

“Guys, this is a night I will never forget,” Alan Fuerhing said on the MSG postgame show with Shannon Hogan and Anson Carter. “More than anything, I’m just breathing a sigh of relief because I did not want to exit this booth with a loss because the fans would just be all over me.”

“My biggest thing is that I just want to stay out of the way. I want to just call the game, let the fans enjoy, and I don’t need any of that negativity to follow me around so this is big.”

Game puck and stick taps for @AlanFuehring calling his first NHL win! pic.twitter.com/8i7AqdbHCX

— Isles on MSG+ (@IslesMSGN) April 27, 2022

For the last six years, Fuehring has been the voice of the Bridgeport Islanders, but has had some work with the Chicago Blackhawks at the NHL level. Fuehring made his NHL television debut on New Year’s Day, as he called his hometown Blackhawks in their 3-2 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators.

The Illinois native called that game with Blackhawks legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Eddie Olczyk.

With Brendan Burke back, Alan Fuehring will be gearing up to call the Bridgeport Islanders playoff run, which kicks off Monday, May 2 at 7:05 pm against the Providence Bruins.