Katie Florio is heading to Pittsburgh.
The former Capitals Radio host announced Monday that she’s joining SportsNet Pittsburgh and NESN as the television rinkside reporter for the Penguins, with some Pirates broadcast work included as well.
“I’m thrilled & honored to join SportsNet Pittsburgh / NESN as the TV Rinkside Reporter for the Pittsburgh Penguins, in a city that my family considers home,” Florio wrote. “I’ll be diving into some Pirates TV as well, and cannot wait to meet all you fans soon!”
I’m thrilled & honored to join SportsNet Pittsburgh / NESN as the TV Rinkside Reporter for the Pittsburgh Penguins, in a city that my family considers home. I’ll be diving into some Pirates TV as well, and cannot wait to meet all you fans soon!🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/qpcdo0Ciuq
— Katie Florio (@KatieFlorio) August 31, 2026
She’ll assume the role from Hailey Hunter, who was let go after three seasons covering the Penguins, with SportsNet Pittsburgh confirming the split in June without offering much explanation beyond thanking her for her contributions.
“I’m thrilled to soon share the next step in my career, one that I’m incredibly excited about!” Florio wrote on Aug. 26. “In the meantime, leaving D.C. and the Capitals family was not an easy decision. It’s difficult to put into words how much this organization and the people who make it so special mean to me.”
Thank you @Capitals & @MonSportsNet❤️ pic.twitter.com/gfhsxlIRvU
— Katie Florio (@KatieFlorio) August 26, 2026
With the Capitals, Florio hosted pregame, postgame, and intermission coverage on Capitals Radio, along with two team podcasts, Afternoon ReCAP with Katie Florio and The Line Change. Before that, she spent four years in the AHL as a rinkside reporter, host, and digital media manager for the Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks affiliates. She’s also worked as a broadcast assistant for the Minnesota Twins Radio Network.
Florio was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and grew up in a hockey family while her father played and coached in the AHL and ECHL. She’s a graduate of Clemson.