With the 2026 Stanley Cup Final underway, ESPN’s NHL coverage is powered by a deep team behind the scenes — including Ivan Sokalsky, Remote Content Support & Talent Statistician/Booth Coordinator, who recently marked 30 years with the company.
In his third Stanley Cup Final with ESPN, the years of experience on hockey and other sports like the World Series and NBA Finals have proven helpful to working on hockey’s biggest moment. “Now I see the game better, it’s slowed down for me, and I have some muscle memory so I can anticipate moments — on and off the ice— and be more effective in helping the rest of the crew,” Sokalsky shared.
“From booth set-up, to assisting talent, producers, graphics and tape with valuable info each game, Ivan has been a staple of what makes our games great,” said Jeff Dufine, who produces ESPN’s Stanley Cup Final coverage. “[He] goes out of his way to make our productions better, there is never a task too small, and he is the ultimate team player.”
While many production teammates are inside the truck, a unique part of Sokalsky’s role comes from his ability to be in the arena — allowing him to provide more context to viewers. “It’s flattering to be so empowered by the crews I work with and to be able to have such an impact on the shows I work on,” he shared.
Linda Schulz, ESPN VP, Production, said: “Ivan’s passion and experience on hockey is matched by his thoughtful and professional approach to support our play-by-play team all season long. To have someone so dedicated is a gift.”
(Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images)
As for Sokalsky, the most enjoyable thing this season has been working a game in Montreal. “We were there for the 4 Nations Face-Off last year and that was electric, but the Canadiens’ playoff games there were a whole different level,” he shared. “I’ve done more than 2,000 games in my career, and that was as good an atmosphere as I’ve experienced in any sport.”
ESPN’s coverage of the Stanley Cup Final continues tonight with Game 5 in prime time on ABC.
