(September 9, 2015) Less than four months after graduating from Hofstra, Julian Coltre is going to the NHL. An STAA member, Coltre has been hired as the Washington Capitals Radio Network host.
Coltre was rated as the 9th-most outstanding collegiate sports broadcaster in STAA’s 2015 All-America program.
The Capitals won’t be Coltre’s first NHL experience. Hofstra’s campus radio station, 88.7 FM WRHU, serves as the flagship station for the New York Islanders Radio Network. Students assist in the broadcast and have the opportunity to serve as color analysts and sideline reporters. Coltre worked alongside the Voice of the Islanders, Chris King, on all Islanders regular season and playoff games.
“It might be cliche to say that my experiences with the Islanders and Hofstra was everything, but it definitely was, and I feel as though it is probably 90% of the reason I got the job,” says Coltre.
“Pretty much everything I learned at the University, whether it’s interviewing NHL players and coaches, putting together game montages and player features, having a personality on-air for TV and radio, and of course my prepping I was taught by doing games for IslesTV, WRHU, or on Hofstra Access TV.”
As the result of his college experience, Coltre was confident when applying for the Caps position.
“I honestly believed I had a 100% chance of getting the job. That isn’t me being cocky, but it is just because of the type of person I am. I try not to think negatively on subjects or think that the worst might happen, so every day when I woke up, whether it was for this job or some other job, I would simply say to myself ‘today is the day I’m going to find out some good news.’”
Coltre’s STAA Talent Page came in handy during the application process. “I have to give [STAA] props too because the ease of having my Talent Page really made it convenient for me to get my information and demo stuff to the Capitals.”
Coltre was chosen for the Capitals job from dozens of candidates, including many with NHL and AHL backgrounds. “They told me they loved what I brought from my first interview. For me, that was an encouraging sign and a great vote of confidence before I get started,” says Coltre.
Capitals’ fans are well known for their passionate support of the team. Coltre is excited to connect with them. “Pro sports is one of the unique jobs where team media can really connect with their fans on social media and in person, and since I’ll be one of the main team reps, I’m really hoping to build an impressive connection with the Capitals, their fans, and the city of DC during my time there.
“The team is a legitimate Stanley Cup contender this season, and I’m DEFINITELY hoping that my last game of the season is one where I’m getting drenched in champagne in a winning locker room.”
(Visit Julian’s STAA Talent Page).