Meet The Team

Stan Fischler

Stan Fischler, often dubbed "The Hockey Maven," is a legendary figure in the world of hockey journalism and broadcasting. With a career spanning over seven decades, Fischler has become synonymous with hockey knowledge, passion, and storytelling.

Born with a love for the game, Fischler's journey began in the press boxes and locker rooms of the NHL, where he covered countless games, Stanley Cup Finals, and Olympic tournaments. His keen insights, colorful commentary, and unique storytelling style have earned him a dedicated following among hockey enthusiasts worldwide.

Beyond his work as a broadcaster and journalist, Fischler has authored over 100 books on hockey, delving into the sport's rich history, iconic players, and memorable moments. His writings have become essential reading for fans looking to deepen their understanding of the game's evolution and its cultural impact.

Throughout his illustrious career, Fischler has received numerous accolades and honors, including inductions into the Hockey Hall of Fame and the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. His contributions to hockey journalism and broadcasting have left an indelible mark on the sport, and his passion continues to inspire new generations of fans and professionals alike.

Join Stan Fischler as he shares his unparalleled insights, stories, and love for the game through his blog, offering a unique perspective on hockey past, present, and future.

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Shirley Fischler

In celebration and remembrance of Shirley  Fischler, a trailblazer in the world of hockey journalism and a beacon of courage in the fight for gender equality, we honor her indomitable spirit and groundbreaking contributions to the sport.

Shirley, was a pioneer who broke the press box gender barrier nearly half a century ago. Her relentless campaign for female journalistic equality began in the early 1970s and culminated in 1972 when she was finally granted access to the press box, a victory that opened doors for generations of women in sports journalism.Despite facing resistance and discrimination, Shirley remained undeterred. She was a prominent hockey writer, co-editor-columnist of Action Sports Hockey magazine, and a contributor to leading publications like the Toronto Daily Star. She believed in her right to sit alongside her male counterparts in the press box and fought tirelessly for her place in the industry.

Shirley's determination was evident when she covered the Rangers-Maple Leafs playoff series for the Kingston Whig-Standard and was denied entry to the Madison Square Garden press box due to her gender. Her resolve led her to challenge this discrimination, resulting in a landmark decision by the New York City Human Rights Commission in her favor.Shirley and her husband, Stan Fischler, became the first husband and wife team to work together on hockey television, covering an entire season of New England Whalers games for Boston TV in 1973-74.Shirley's passion for hockey and commitment to gender equality continued throughout her life, leaving an enduring legacy that inspires us all. She was a true trailblazer, a courageous leader, and a champion for women's rights in hockey journalism.

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Odel Fischler

Odel Fischler brings a rich blend of hockey expertise, creative talent, and family legacy to the website as a staff photographer, videographer, podcast, and content contributor. A former Israeli National Hockey Team player, she has competed internationally and was even selected by Hall of Famer Slava Fetisov to play on his line during a special game in Israel. Her passion for the sport is deeply rooted, being the granddaughter of the late Shirley Fischler, a pioneering female sports journalist, and the renowned Stan Fischler, known as the "Maven."

Beyond hockey, Odel's modeling career began in her teens, working with top agencies and photographers worldwide. Her love of photography has taken her across Switzerland, Israel, and America, capturing stunning landscapes and sports action. Currently based in Pennsylvania, Odel has also served as a head counselor and a hostess at a high-end restaurant, bringing a diverse skill set and a deep passion for storytelling to the site.

Avigail Fischler

At just 15 years old, Avigail Fischler is making waves in the world of women’s hockey. Born in Israel and now playing for the prestigious Culver Academy, Avigail has quickly emerged as one of the top teenage defensemen in America. Her journey began on the Olympic-sized rink at the Canada Centre in Metula, Israel, where she first learned the game, influenced by the legacy of NHL coach Roger Neilson’s summer camp.

After moving to Switzerland with her father and brother, Avigail honed her skills playing for separate teams in Thun. Her talent shone brightly in the summer of 2024, where she dominated high-level hockey camps, including one operated by USA Hockey.

Now entering her second year at Culver, Avigail’s goals are set high—she dreams of playing for Team USA and making an impact in the Olympics. Known for her toughness, intelligence, and skill on the ice, Avigail is not just a standout athlete but a wonderful person as well.

Follow Avigail's journey as she chronicles her hockey experiences in diary form on our website, offering a unique and personal look into her path toward greatness.

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Ariel Fischler

Ariel Fischler has been immersed in hockey since he could walk, growing up near the Canada Centre in Metula, Israel, home to an Olympic-sized rink and NHL coach Roger Neilson's hockey camps. Alongside his sisters, Odel and Avigail, Ariel began his journey as a goalie before transitioning to forward. His game took a leap forward during training stints in Switzerland, guided by his father, Simon Fischler, a former goalie.

Ariel's dedication to hockey led him to play Junior hockey for Bruce Boudreau's Buffalo Cubs last season. Beyond the ice, he's also developed a passion for hockey journalism, with his articles appearing in various publications. This summer, Ariel, now 18, honed his skills at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan and Hershey Arena. He now joins the website as a staff writer, contributing his hockey knowledge and experience to the team.

Mark Rosenman

Mark Rosenman is a longtime New York sports radio personality and published author and writer. Rosenman's radio career began in 1980 on WGLI "The Mighty" 1290 AM. After a 25 year hiatus, where he coached a travel baseball team which included Arizona Diamondbacks first round draft pick Mike Belfiore and Hockey team that included two future NHL draft picks, he returned to the radio scene in 2007 as the host of SportsTalkNY on WLIE 540 AM. The show included interviews with current and former players, broadcasters and other sports media personalities.

Rosenman covers both the New York Mets and NHL and has made numerous appearances on ESPN, NHL Network, CBS with Steve Overmyer and on FOX with Tina Cervasio on Sports Xtra as well as on radio on WFAN.

Paul Patskou

Paul Patskou is the foremost authority of archival hockey video footage, as well as a highly respected writer and award-winning researcher. Paul is a past recipient of the Society for International Hockey Research (SIHR)'s Brian McFarlane Award for outstanding research and was nominated by the Canadian Screen Awards for 'Best Visual Research.' Paul has also been profiled in The Hockey News, The New York Times, The Toronto Star and has appeared in various documentaries such as ’75 Forever’ and ‘Ice Guardians’

Russ Cohen

Russ Cohen is a seasoned hockey writer with nearly two decades of experience in the field. His extensive knowledge of the game, combined with a passion for storytelling, has made him a respected voice in the hockey community.

Russ brings his insightful analysis and in-depth reporting provide fans with a comprehensive view of the NHL to StanFischler.com. In addition to his work on this site, he is a regular contributor to Inside The Rink, where he covers the broader NHL landscape.

Throughout his career, Russ has contributed to NHL.com, team websites, and major outlets like Slam, CSNPhilly.com, FoxSports.com, and EPRinkside.com. His work has appeared in Goalie News, New England Hockey Journal, The Hockey News, Beckett Hockey, and Blueshirt Bulletin. He also writes a monthly column for Center Ice Magazine, distributed to every amateur hockey rink in Pennsylvania. A respected sports expert, Russ has been a guest on numerous radio shows, including Hockey Prospect Radio on NHL Network Radio, TSN 1050, and Sportstalkny. His syndicated articles have reached audiences nationwide, and he's authored three books, including "100 Ranger Greats" and "The Winter Classic: the NHL's Savior."

Matthew Blittner

Matthew Blittner, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, has covered the New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders and New York Rangers for multiple publications since the beginning of the 2016-17 NHL season. Along the way, he has also covered multiple playoff runs for each team, as well as their special events, such as the Winter Classic and Stadium Series. 

Among the publications Matthew Blittner has written for are: MSGNetworks.com, The Fischler Report, The Hockey News Magazine, TheNYExtra.com, NY Sports Day and currently, Sportsology.com.

He has authored four previous books: “Unforgettable Rangers,” “Unforgettable NJ Devils,” “Unforgettable NY Islanders,” and “Voices of The NHL.” A copy of “Voices of The NHL” resides in The National Archives at The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. (He has a fifth book due out in December 2024). 

 Blittner also founded his own charity softball game benefiting Alzheimer’s research called “The Brooklyn Memorial Cup for Alzheimer’s” in 2019 and, to date, it has raised $38,957.00 for the Alzheimer’s Association.