Longtime Capitals’ Reporter Al Koken To Be Inducted Into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Silver Circle

Photo: @MonSportsNet/X

Of all the people covering Washington Capitals hockey, no one may be more familiar with the club than longtime reporter and analyst “Smokin” Al Koken. A staple in the coverage of the District’s NHL club, Koken has been announced as a 2023 inductee of an exclusive club in the field of televisiod.

It was announced on Wednesday that Koken, an analyst for Monumental Sports Network (formerly NBC Sports Washington, Comcast Sportsnet, and Home Team Sports) for over three decades, will be among the 2023 inductees to the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Capital Chesapeake Bay chapter’s (more commonly-known as Capital Emmys) Silver Circle, which, per the NATAS website:

“…is an honor society within our chapter for members who have spent 25+ years working in pursuit of our profession’s highest and most noble goals.”

Hockey’s most dedicated rink side reporter makes one more line change as he is inducted into The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences prestigious Silver Circle, honoring his 25+ years of contribution to the industry.

Congratulations, @RealSmokinAl! 👏#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/P1mA5WNikF

— Monumental Sports Network (@MonSportsNet) August 30, 2023

Koken, who has covered the team for Monumental Sports Network (then-HTS) since 1983, is the longest-tenured on-air personality for Monumental Sports Network. He served as an analyst from his first season (1984-85) to 1989-90, a play-by-play announcer in 1995-96, and an in-studio host and on-ice reporter throughout his 34-year career covering the Capitals. In that time, he has become synonymous with the culture of the team.

Smokin’ Al Koken: A Look At Al Koken’s Illustrious Broadcasting Career With the Capitals

As lifelong Capitals fan Ron Bove II (who attended games in the Caps’ inaugural season of 1974-75) of North Carolina recalls, “I just remember watching the Capitals’ games on TV and suddenly, ‘Smokin’ Al Koken was interviewing players and coaches. He is someone who is passionate and excited in what he does and it carries over to the fans.”

The inductees will be honored on October 7, 2023 at The Renaissance in Richmond, Virginia.

By Michael Fleetwood