Arda Ocal is an NHL on ESPN host (game broadcasts, In The Crease, various features) and a SportsCenter anchor who also hosts SportsCenter on Snapchat, SportsNation, and has contributed to NBA, PGA Tour, Euro soccer, esports, MLS, UFC, MLB and NFL coverage at ESPN.

Prior to ESPN, Ocal worked for MSG Networks as a NHL/NBA game host, WWE, The Score as a sports anchor, Weather Network as a field reporter (including right in the middle of deadly storms and blizzards) and many other places. Ocal has hosted over 300 live events, from sporting events, concerts, to panels, conventions and much more.

After failing to make the Oakville Rangers AAA minor hockey team, Ocal turned his attention to broadcasting, where he began as a host, reporter and play by play announcer for the OHL’s Brampton Battalion and Mississauga St., Michaels Majors and the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, all on Rogers TV. Ocal eventually made his way to MSG Networks, where he handled many hockey related posts, including the MSG 150 on Rangers broadcasts, Devils game broadcasts, and hosting the MSG Hockey Show for two seasons. Last season, Ocal was one of the hosts on ESPN’S In The Crease and will resume those duties this season.

In addition, Ocal is a dual official video game world record holder, in NHLPA93 and NHL96 for Sega Genesis. Arda is also the voice of the NHL Gaming World Championship, the NHL’s official major yearly esports tournament, as well as many NHL team tournaments across the league.

Arda has a degree in Mathematics from the University in Waterloo and lives in New York with his wife Jennifer and daughter Ayla.