PITTSBURGH — Alan Furing’s long-awaited opportunity has finally arrived. After over a decade of anticipation, he is stepping into a full-time play-by-play role in the NHL.

Furing has served in various capacities within the league, notably as a backup for Brendan Burke on the Islanders’ MSG broadcasts and filling in for several Blackhawks games during the 2021-22 season. However, for the last nine years, he has been entrenched in the AHL Bridgeport, wearing many hats that included broadcasting, public relations, and team services.

This offseason, the Islanders reshuffled their radio team, leading to Furing’s promotion for play-by-play duties during radio broadcasts, joined by Josh Bailey and several former players for the season opener against the Penguins.

“My dream was to focus on broadcasting full-time,” Furing expressed before the Islanders faced off against the Penguins in their season opener, which they lost 4-3. “I’m just really excited to finally get this chance, and tonight is the first game. So many people have helped me reach this point; I can’t name them all, but Brendan Burke and [Isles PR head] Kimber Auerbach are definitely at the top. This is what I’ve worked for my whole career, and it really feels like a dream come true.”

Bailey, who plans to cover around eight to ten games, mentioned he had initially no intention of entering media after retiring from playing. However, he found it intriguing when the Islanders reached out to him.

He and Furing went live together during the preseason to fine-tune their chemistry, and both felt the experience went smoothly.

“I felt comfortable just discussing the game,” Bailey said. “There’s been a lot of turnover these last few years, yet the familiarity with the players has aided us.”

Initially, the outlook was bleak, with the Islanders seemingly without radio coverage after parting ways with longtime on-air partners Chris King and Greg Picker earlier this offseason. The specifics regarding how frequently the new broadcasting team will travel remain vague, but coverage will continue via 88.7 WHRU, 103.9 FM, the Islanders’ official app, and the NHL app.

“I had a chat with Chris, and I understand why the fans have such fondness for him,” Furing noted. “I can’t be Chris King—no one can. So, I’m just going to be myself. Still, I really want to carry on the same passion he displayed.”

Ilya Sorokin was in goal for the Islanders, making 28 saves in the game they ultimately lost.