How the Newhouse Network Brought Two Alumni Together on Hockey’s Biggest Stage 

Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) – Two Syracuse University alumni found themselves working side by side for the very first time inside an NHL arena during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

Joel Mandelbaum, a 1987 graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, has directed broadcasts for more than three decades at MSG Network. During his time at MSG, he has directed broadcasts for the New York Knicks, Rangers, and currently the Islanders.

Throughout his career, Mandelbaum learned, “There’s no way to go from point A to point Z in television production. You just have to sail into the wind.” 

After ending the 2025 season with the Islanders, an opportunity presented itself to work for Turner Sports (TNT) during the NHL playoff season. 

The opportunity led to collaborating with Syracuse alumnus Carlos DeMolina. After graduating from the television, radio, and film program in 1988, DeMonlina went on to produce for many different companies like CBS Sports, FOX Sports, and TNT. He’s covered nearly every sport, from hockey to bull riding. Every job has led to his success during the last 15 years of freelance producing. 

“Every job I’ve had, I’ve picked up little things that shaped who I am as a producer,” DeMolina said. 

While producing a soccer match at Red Bull Arena, DeMolina struck up a conversation in the tape room with one of the crew members. As they introduced themselves, the last name Mandelbaum caught his attention. At that point, the two had never met.  

The two graduated from Syracuse University just a year apart. However, DeMolina and Mandelbaum hadn’t crossed paths professionally until this year’s playoff series between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leaf’s, covering Game 3 on Friday, May 9, and Game 4 on Sunday, May 11. 

“We talked for about an hour on the phone before the series. We were reminiscing about people we’d worked with, places we’d been,” Mandelbaum said. “There’s just something about running into someone from Newhouse.” 

For Mandelbaum and DeMolina, it laid the foundation for instant trust and shared expectations as they executed two tightly run productions. 

The bond between a director and producer is often compared to that of a quarterback and their coach in football. With both taking on their respective roles during the broadcast, DeMolina reflected on his experience with Mandelbaum and the whole crew. 

“You feel like a kid in a candy store,” DeMolina said. “It’s just a matter of, you know, kind of putting a puzzle together and, you know, everybody’s selling you things because they’re so good at what they do individually.” 

Crossing paths with fellow Syracuse alumni has been a common occurrence throughout both Mandelbaum and DeMolina’s careers, whether it’s in the control room, on the road, or at major sporting events. 

“You immediately have some type of a connection,” DeMolina said of meeting Syracuse grads in the business. “That’s always been very cool.” 

That connection extends beyond just casual encounters when it comes to meeting, mentoring, and supporting others with orange roots. 

Mandelbaum believes, “You owe it to the next generation to help.”  

DeMolina also gave simple advice, “It’s about the people.” 

In an industry built on relationships, the Newhouse bond runs deep. And in one short weekend, two alumni finally came together to collaborate, bringing their shared roots and years of experience full circle.