Fair Lawn High Alumni Is The New Announcer For New Jersey Devils

FAIR LAWN, NJ — A Fair Lawn High School alumni is the newest voice for the New Jersey Devils. Joe Tolentino, who graduated from the school in 2008, is officially the NHL team's new public address announcer.

Tolentino beat out more than 250 applicants vying for the role in a competition that first landed him in the top 10. Fans then voted and put Tolentino through to the top 3. As a top 3 finalist, he was able to show off his skills by announcing a pre-season game on Oct. 1. In the end, fans selected him as the ultimate winner.

In an interview during the Devils' season pre-view show, Tolentino said becoming his favorite hockey team's new PA announcer hasn't quite sunk in yet.

“This still feels like a dream. I don’t believe it’s actually happening," he said.

Pictured below: Joe Tolentino

Tolentino has an extensive background in musical theater, dating back to 2002. He describes his announcing style as "booming" yet simple.

"I will call the goals. I’ll stretch out words and have a lot of fun, but at the end of the day I’m sharp. I’m clear. I’m concise, and I think that is really my signature," he added.

Tolentino makes his official PA announcing debut Friday night at the Devils' home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks at Newark's Prudential Center.

He is the Devils' first new public address announcer since 2007 ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Watch the interview with Tolentino below: