MSG Networks announced on Wednesday that it has named Erika Wachter as its new game host for New Jersey Devils telecasts. Wachter, a New Jersey native from Egg Harbor Township, is replacing former host Deb Placey, who recently accepted a position with the National Hockey League. Prior to her role with the Devils, Wachter worked for two years as a sports reporter and host for Fox 5 New York.

Effective this season, Wachter will host all pre-game, intermission, and post-game Devils coverage with MSG Networks. She joins an MSG broadcast team that features the likes of former Devils captain Bryce Salvador and three-time Stanley Cup Champion “Mr. Devil” Ken Daneyko, as well as Emmy Award-winning play-by-play announcer Steve Cangialosi.

“As a New Jersey native, I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the MSG Networks’ Devils family and cover a franchise with such a rich history of success,” said Wachter. “I want to first thank everyone at FOX 5 New York for the last two years, where I was unbelievably fortunate to be able to work in the greatest sports city in the world. But with all the excitement now around this upcoming hockey season, I
can’t wait to start working with our incredible broadcast team and connecting with all the passionate Devils fans.”

Wachter played Division 1 field hockey on the varsity squad at Syracuse University, where she also graduated from the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications with a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, Marketing and Psychology in 2012, according to her LinkedIn profile. She says that she brings “a unique player’s perspective to my coverage and reporting style.” Prior to her role with FOX 5 NY, she also worked as a Production Assistant with ESPN and had on-air roles with NESN in Boston and CPTV in Connecticut.

One of the top young broadcasters today, Erika will surely bring tremendous amounts of passion and enthusiasm to the broadcast that Devils fans will love.