Tom Chorske was claimed by the Islanders off waivers from the Ottawa Senators on Sept. 28, 1997. He would go on to play in all 82 games for the Isles in 1997-98. Chorske was predominantly used by then coach Mike Milbury, and later in the season Bill Stewart, as a penalty killer and regularly on the third and fourth lines. The left winger would record his 200th point as a member of the Islanders on Nov. 19, 1997 in Detroit after scoring a goal against Chris Osgood. Probably his most memorable goal came on Mar. 7, 1998 when Chorske would roof the puck over the shoulder of Colorado goaltender Patrick Roy on a shorthanded penalty shot in a game at Nassau Coliseum. Unfortunately the Islander lost the game 4-2. 

     A former star for the University of Minnesota in the late 1980's, Chorske was an eight year NHL veteran upon being acquired by the Islanders. Before playing with the Senators, Chorske began his career with the Montreal Canadiens and would later play for the New Jersey Devils, where he would contribute to their Stanley Cup championship in the strike shortened season of 1995. As the Islanders entered the 1998-99 season, ownership was looking to free up salary and the veteran Chorske became expendable. Also, Chorske had lost a bit of his speed, something he was known for throughout his entire career. So the Islanders traded him to the Washington Capitals along with a 1999 eighth round draft choice in exchange for Washington's 1999 sixth round draft choice ( Bjorn Melin ) only 2 games into the season on Oct. 16, 1998. He ended up only playing 17 games for the Caps due to abdominal surgery.

     Chorske was quickly dealt off again at the trade deadline in March of 1999 to the Calgary Flames and eventually spent 1999-00 with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Before retiring following the 2000-01 season, Chorske would have the best offensive season of his career professionally when he went 27-25-52 in 78 games with the Houston Aeros of the IHL.

     Chorske was a high draft pick, 16th overall by the Canadiens in 1985. Before joining Montreal Chorske attempted to make the 1988 U.S. Olympic Squad in Calgary but he was unfortunately one of the final cuts. Chorske was a meber of the first U.S. Team to win a medal (Bronze) at the World Junior Championships in 1986.

     In September of 2006, Chorske was named color commentator for the New Jersey Devils radio broadcasts.