In Episode 198 of Your Dark Companion, Mike Rhyner sits down with the television and radio voice of the Dallas Stars, Josh Bogorad, for a deep dive into the winding road that led him from Los Angeles to the NHL broadcast booth.
Josh shares how one childhood hockey game during the Gretzky era changed everything — sparking a dream that would take him through club hockey broadcasts, minor league bus trips, Alaska championships, and years of grinding before finally breaking into the NHL.
They unpack:
The reality of chasing a broadcasting dream
What it’s like replacing legendary voices and working alongside Daryl Reaugh
The unique chemistry behind the Stars’ long-running simulcast format
Why hockey’s culture feels different from other sports
And how learning what not to call is the secret to mastering play-by-play
Plus, they reflect on USA Hockey’s recent gold medal moment and what it means for growing the sport in non-traditional markets.
If you love sports broadcasting, hockey, or stories about betting on yourself when no one guarantees the outcome — this one delivers.
Tune in and experience the game through the voice that calls it.
Chapters
0:00 – Opening Banter & Episode 198
3:00 – Growing Up in Los Angeles During the Gretzky Era
6:30 – The First Hockey Game That Changed Everything
10:45 – Why Hockey Over Baseball, Football, or Basketball?
15:15 – Chasing the Dream Through College & Minor Leagues
20:25 – Alaska: The Unexpected Career Turning Point
24:35 – Breaking Into the NHL Circle
30:30 – Replacing Legends & Working With Razor
38:00 – The Chemistry Behind the Stars Broadcast
42:50 – Mid-Show Read
46:50 – Why Hockey’s Culture Feels Different
56:45 – USA Hockey’s Gold & Growing the Game
1:05:20 – Calling the Chaos: The Art of Play-by-Play
1:12:00 – Learning What Not to Call
1:18:00 – Final Reflections & The Love of the Game
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