Over the course of 42 years covering the New York Islanders, Stan Fischler has accumulated a multitude of accolades including eight New York Emmy Awards, a Lester Patrick Trophy, and even the title of New York City’s Centennial Historian, to name a few.
And as part of MSG Networks’ celebration of The Maven, we look back at what made Stan the man he is today…
After graduating from Brooklyn College, Fischler joined the New York Rangers’ PR department.
His favorite memory from the time he spent working with the team was when the Rangers made a huge trade that sent Allan Stanley and Nick Mickoski to Chicago, which brought Bill Gadsby and Pete Conacher New York.
Fischler held this position for 11 years. It was a very special time for Stan as he was working with legendary Canadian hockey writers, most importantly editor Milt Dunnell.
Fischler fondly remembers having to bring a baseball glove to protect himself from live pucks while covering the Long Island Ducks at Commack Arena because there was minimal protection along the boards.
The Maven’s first of more than 100 books published was a biography of the one and only, Gordie Howe.
His most recent release came out in November of 2017, which was an updated edition of “Detroit Red Wings: Greatest Moments & Players,” originally published in 2002.
His first broadcasting job was with the New England Whalers of the WHA on WKBG-TV.
Initially, Stan turned down the offer – not once, but twice – however, his friend Eddie Andelman eventually convinced him to accept. He served as a color commentator for the club for two seasons.
At the end of the 1975 season, Fischler was asked by Marty Glickman to be part of the New York Islanders’ television broadcast.
Stan accepted and in March of 1975, became the color commentator for the Islanders, while Spencer Ross handled the play-by-play. The duo was a success and both were brought back the following season.
The Maven took home some hardware at the 1988 New York Emmys, winning the category of “Outstanding Live Sports Coverage” for his work on the Islanders’ 1987-88 broadcast.
Stan launched a weekly newsletter called “The Fischler Report,” which contained inside news, rumors, analysis, and more.
Mayor Rudy Giuliani recognized Stan as New York City’s expert in both sports and the subway system.
Fischler won the Lester Patrick Trophy in 2007 for his “Outstanding Contribution to Hockey.” Lester Patrick, the former Rangers GM and coach, was Fischler’s idol.
After winning, Fischler said, “It’s as neat a thing that has ever happened to me in more than half a century working in hockey.” Other winners that year included Brian Leetch, Cammi Granato and John Halligan.
Stan was recognized yet again by the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his work on New York Rangers broadcast in 2007-08, which won for “Best Live Sports Event.”
MSG Networks celebrated Stan’s 40 years of covering the team during an Islanders telecast with special programming including a video tribute from colleagues and celebrities.