Credit: Monumental Sports Network
By Sam Neumann on

Katie Florio is heading to Pittsburgh.

The former Capitals Radio host announced Monday that she’s joining SportsNet Pittsburgh and NESN as the television rinkside reporter for the Penguins, with some Pirates broadcast work included as well.

“I’m thrilled & honored to join SportsNet Pittsburgh / NESN as the TV Rinkside Reporter for the Pittsburgh Penguins, in a city that my family considers home,” Florio wrote. “I’ll be diving into some Pirates TV as well, and cannot wait to meet all you fans soon!”

She’ll assume the role from Hailey Hunter, who was let go after three seasons covering the Penguins, with SportsNet Pittsburgh confirming the split in June without offering much explanation beyond thanking her for her contributions.

“I’m thrilled to soon share the next step in my career, one that I’m incredibly excited about!” Florio wrote on Aug. 26. “In the meantime, leaving D.C. and the Capitals family was not an easy decision. It’s difficult to put into words how much this organization and the people who make it so special mean to me.”

With the Capitals, Florio hosted pregame, postgame, and intermission coverage on Capitals Radio, along with two team podcasts, Afternoon ReCAP with Katie Florio and The Line Change. Before that, she spent four years in the AHL as a rinkside reporter, host, and digital media manager for the Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks affiliates. She’s also worked as a broadcast assistant for the Minnesota Twins Radio Network.

Florio was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and grew up in a hockey family while her father played and coached in the AHL and ECHL. She’s a graduate of Clemson.

About Sam Neumann

Since the beginning of 2023, Sam has been a staff writer for Awful Announcing and The Comeback. A 2021 graduate of Temple University, Sam is a Charlotte native, who currently calls Greenville, South Carolina his home. He also has a love/hate relationship with the New York Mets and Jets.

View all posts by Sam Neumann