SportsNet Pittsburgh has welcomed a familiar face to its coverage of the Pittsburgh Penguins, as Katie Florio steps into the role of rinkside reporter. With deep ties to the region, Florio brings a unique perspective to her new position, being the daughter of former Johnstown Chiefs captain Perry Florio, who played an impressive 305 games for the team, ranking fourth in franchise history.
Katie Florio, born in Johnstown in 1997, spent her early years in the area before her family relocated to Virginia, where her father took on a coaching role with the ECHL’s Roanoke Express. Reflecting on her return to western Pennsylvania, she expressed her excitement during a recent phone interview, stating, “It’s definitely one of those full-circle moments to not only be back in western Pennsylvania but to be back working in NHL hockey as a rink-side reporter.”
Florio’s journey to this coveted role has been a long and dedicated one. She pursued her passion for sports journalism through college, gaining invaluable experience in both hockey and baseball, as well as major college football. Her career path led her to cover two national championship teams at Clemson University, where she was immersed in a vibrant sports culture.
Now, as part of the SportsNet Pittsburgh team, Katie Florio joins a talented group that includes play-by-play commentator Josh Getzoff, color analysts Colby Armstrong and Phil Bourque, and studio host Dan Potash. Notably, she will also contribute to the network’s coverage of the Pittsburgh Pirates, showcasing her versatility as a sports reporter.
Perry Florio, who not only captained the Chiefs but also holds the franchise record for assists at 171, expressed pride in his daughter’s achievements. He remarked on the serendipity of Katie landing a role with the Penguins, saying, “It’s crazy, of the 32 teams in the league, the one that she lands on is (near) where she was born. It’s fate, I guess. We’re super proud.”
Throughout her career, Katie has gained extensive experience, including two years covering the Washington Capitals for Monumental Sports Network and Capitals Radio Network. She has also served as a rinkside reporter for the Colorado Avalanche’s AHL affiliate and worked as a digital reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks’ AHL team. This diverse background has equipped her with the skills necessary to thrive in the fast-paced world of sports broadcasting.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Katie shared how her family’s passion for sports shaped her own interests. With her mother hailing from Pittsburgh and her father’s coaching career spanning various teams, she was raised in a household that celebrated local sports. “Hockey was such a business for my dad, our fandom came through the Penguins,” she noted, highlighting her deep-rooted connection to the team.
Katie’s return to Johnstown is not just a professional milestone but also a personal one. She has maintained strong ties to the area, frequently visiting family and reminiscing about her father’s successful tenure with the Chiefs. “We had to make a trip to Hoss’s in Johnstown, where his jersey is still hanging,” she recalled with a laugh, showcasing the enduring legacy of her family in the local hockey community.
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