Oh Cangi, my Cangi…
The New Jersey Devils’ play-by-play announcer, Steve Cangialosi, has decided to step down from being the voice of the New Jersey Devils on MSG Networks. The “Cangi-Man”took over for the legendary Doc Emerick in 2011. Cangialosi put out a lengthy letter to Devils’ fans via Twitter after making his decision.
The departure of MSG Network’s favorite Italian leaves an opening next to Ken Danyeko. Who will take the spot as Dano’s side kick to call play-by-play action at the Prudential Center? Let’s take a look at some top candidates.
Bryce Salvador
After his playing career as captain of the New Jersey Devils came to a close, Salvador has enjoyed a second career as an MSG Networks analyst. Between the benches is his home as he tells the audience watching from home what he sees and adds some analysis via analytics as well. Salvador’s talents have been well appreciated, as he was tapped for the national broadcast crew for the NHL Playoffs on TNT with the same capacity.
Shuffling from one MSG networks position to the other might make sense, but Salvador’s current position is quick different than play-by-play. Salvador is immensely talented as analyst, but working play-by-play requires a completely different set of skills. That’s the reason why Danyeko slotted into the then open colour commentator role after the 2013-2014 NHL season. That’s also the same reason that as much as we love Erika Wachter, we can’t see her as a potential replacement for Cangi. Wachter joined Salvador on national NHL playoff broadcasts this season. Just like Salvador, she served in the same capacity as she does on MSG Network as a host/reporter.
Jason Shaya
The play-by-play voice of the Utica Comets is well traveled in minor league hockey circles. He also has some NHL experience here and there serving as fill in broadcasters, including with the New Jersey Devils this season. Think of it as an AHL call up for the broadcast booth. Even if it was a short glimpse for us New Jersey fans’, Shaya was impressive.
It would make sense for Cangi’s replacement to be someone already in the organization. Unfortunately, that might work against him. Shaya is employed by the Comets, not MSG Network. Cangi was an MSG employee before taking the reins from Doc Emerick as well as a well-established resume as a sports broadcaster in the New York City metro area.
There’s no doubt Shaya can do the job. His lack of “big league” experience might be the only thing holding him back. Then again, he already has experience calling Alexander Holtz goals.
Don LaGreca
The man who jokingly calls himself “Michael Kay’s side kick” is a surprising, yet logical, contender for the job. In addition to being cohost of the Michael Kay Show on ESPN 98.7 he’s also the main radio play-by-play voice of the New York Rangers. Make all the Hudson River Rivalry comments you want. La Greca clearly showed he has the skillset needed for the position. Anyone who listens to the radio show also knows he grew up a New Jersey Devils’ fan, but it was the New York Rangers who offered him a job. He doesn’t have to apologize for chasing that bag.
Shaya might be at a disadvantage for not being an MSG employee, so why is Don different? La Greca’s radio broadcast can be heard on MSG Radio. There already is some type of professional relationship there. La Greca’s resume also looks a lot like Cangialosi’s before he got the Devils’ job. Cangi even had a radio show at ESPN 98.7 as well.
La Greca also hosts his own hockey specific podcast “Game Misconduct.” Anyone who has ever listened to him be the Michael Kay Show’s resident hockey fan can see just how knowledgeable he is about all aspects of the game and the NHL.