As part of the #EHSCareerMonth series, we talked to Bob Rotruck, the radio announcer for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, a minor league hockey team based in Allentown that plays in the American Hockey League (AHL). In addition to his duties on the microphone, he coordinates media coverage on the Phantoms’ website and does videos for the team’s social media accounts.
During this conversation, Rotruck talks about his journey from carrying his own radio equipment to broadcast college hockey games on Friday and Saturday nights to being the only broadcaster in the history of the Phantoms. He stressed the importance of being versatile in the job, especially in aspects that have nothing to do with calling the action on the ice. He also gives advice for students on how to create their own opportunities to call games and get experience behind the microphone in whatever ways they can.
To learn more about other careers with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, listen to the episode featuring Creative Director Amy Keller on Season 4, Episode 23.
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025 for providing the music in today's episode!