NEW DEVELOPMENT BEFORE CANUCKS GAME🚨 |
Penguins received an emotional boost ahead of tonight’s clash with the Vancouver Canucks as play-by-play announcer Josh Getzoff has been medically cleared to return after a frightening collapse that occurred in the middle of last week’s broadcast.
Just days after fans and colleagues were left shaken by his sudden health scare, Getzoff confirmed he is feeling strong and ready to get back behind the microphone—right where Penguins supporters have known his voice for over a decade.
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The Scary Scene in Anaheim
During last Tuesday’s matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Anaheim Ducks, the atmosphere in the broadcast booth suddenly turned tense. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Getzoff had left the booth for the second intermission and was chatting with a fellow broadcaster when he unexpectedly collapsed.
Witnesses nearby reported that he lost balance and fell while mid-conversation but regained consciousness a short while later. Quick-reacting medical staff from the arena’s emergency unit immediately attended to him, stabilizing the veteran announcer before rushing him to a local hospital for observation and testing.
While no details were released about the exact cause of the episode, sources close to the broadcast team indicated that doctors believed the collapse was related to a sudden drop in blood pressure or possible dehydration after a long travel and work schedule.
“Honestly, everyone froze for a moment,” one team staff member said off record. “We’ve all worked alongside Josh for years, and seeing something like that happen to him was terrifying.”
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Emergency Broadcast Shuffle
With Getzoff being treated, the Penguins’ production crew had to improvise on the fly.
Joe Brand, the Penguins’ radio play-by-play voice, was swiftly moved to the TV booth, teaming up with Colby Armstrong to finish the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, team operations director Jason Seidling stepped into the radio role beside analyst Phil Bourque.
It was a situation few could have prepared for, but the entire media team earned praise for keeping the broadcast going smoothly during what was an emotionally draining evening.
“Everyone came together really fast,” said a network producer. “The focus shifted from the game to making sure Josh was safe first and foremost. After we knew he was being taken care of, we just tried to keep things calm for the viewers.”
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Reassurance and Recovery
A few days later, Getzoff took to X (formerly Twitter) to personally reassure fans and colleagues that he was doing well.
He thanked medical personnel, the Penguins organization, and countless fans for their messages of concern, saying the outpouring of support “meant more than words could express.”
“I’m feeling much better and so grateful for the care and kindness shown by everyone these past few days,” Getzoff wrote. “It was a scary moment, but I’m good and can’t wait to get back to doing what I love.”
The Penguins organization later confirmed that medical tests were all clear, and that Getzoff had received a full green light to resume his duties in time for the team’s next home broadcast.
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An Experienced Voice Returns
Getzoff, 36, joined the Penguins’ broadcast team a decade ago and has steadily become one of the most recognized and respected young play-by-play voices in the NHL.
Now in his third season as the lead TV play-by-play announcer for SportsNet Pittsburgh, Getzoff has been behind the mic for some of the franchise’s most memorable recent moments. Among them was his iconic call of Sidney Crosby’s 600th career goal—a milestone that cemented the Penguins captain’s legendary status in league history.
Reflecting on that moment in an interview with NHL.com, Getzoff once said:
> “You have to always be ready for it. Especially because this is a guy [Crosby] who’s on the ice for more than a third of the game. He’s always there when the big moments happen.”
It’s that preparedness and passion that have earned him deep respect from both fans and fellow broadcasters.
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Support From the Hockey World
Following the incident, support poured in from across the hockey community—ranging from former Penguins players to broadcasters around the league.
Analyst Phil Bourque, who worked alongside Seidling on the radio call that night, said he was overwhelmed by the number of messages they received from around North America.
“Everyone was checking in—other teams, announcers, fans, even rival networks,” Bourque said. “It really shows how close this hockey world is. We might compete on air, but when something like that happens, everyone’s united.”
Several NHL teams also posted messages of encouragement on social media, with the Anaheim Ducks issuing a public note wishing Getzoff a “speedy and full recovery.”
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Back Behind the Mic
Now, with the Penguins preparing to take on the Vancouver Canucks, Getzoff will make his long-awaited return to the broadcast booth—a moment expected to carry plenty of emotion for everyone involved.
For fans tuning in tonight, his familiar voice will once again narrate the plays, goals, and moments that define Penguins hockey. And while the focus will certainly be on the team’s on-ice performance, the night will also serve as a quiet celebration of resilience and gratitude.
The Penguins’ broadcast team shared that they plan to acknowledge Getzoff’s return on air, though the announcer himself reportedly requested that the focus remain on the game, not on him.
“Josh is just that kind of person,” said Colby Armstrong. “He’s humble, passionate, and he loves this job. I know tonight’s going to be special—not just for him, but for all of us.”
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A Moment of Gratitude Before the Puck Drops
As the puck drops at PPG Paints Arena, the Penguins will have more than just a hockey game to play. They’ll have a reason to appreciate the voices and faces who bring the sport to life night after night.
In a league where every call, goal, and replay matters, Josh Getzoff’s return is a reminder of something deeper—that health, community, and shared love of the game matter most of all.
And as he slides the headset back on, thousands of Penguins fans across Pittsburgh and beyond will feel a quiet comfort in hearing his steady voice once again:
“Good evening, hockey fans—and welcome back to Penguins hockey.”
A simple greeting that, after last week, means a whole lot more.
