MSG Networks, the television home of the New York Islanders, today announced that former Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey will officially join the MSG Networks’ Islanders broadcast team as a studio analyst for this season.
Hickey will team up in studio with host Shannon Hogan for Islanders pregame, intermission and postgame coverage on MSGSN. AJ Mleczko will also continue to serve as a studio analyst throughout the season.
“It’s truly an honor to join MSG Networks as an Islanders studio analyst and begin this next chapter of my career,” said Hickey. “I’m thrilled for the opportunity to now cover the team I was fortunate enough to play for, as well as connect with the fans in a new way.”
A nine-year NHL veteran, Hickey totaled 117 points (22 goals, 95 assists) during his career. After being selected fourth overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2007 NHL Draft, he made his debut with the Islanders in 2013 and helped lead the team to the playoffs in three of his first four seasons. On the international stage, Hickey also represented his home country of Canada and won the IIHF World Junior Championship in 2008 and 2009.
“We’re excited to add Thomas Hickey to our Islanders broadcast team,” said Jeff Filippi, MSG Networks Senior Vice President of Programming and Production and Executive Producer. “As a recently retired player, Thomas has suited up with many of the current Islanders and has competed against most players in the league, giving fans a real inside look into the current NHL.”
The Islanders return to the ice on Friday, October 28th at 7:00pm ET in Carolina, with Brendan Burke and Buch Goring on the call. Pregame coverage with Hogan and Hickey will get underway at 6:30pm ET on MSGSN2.