So while the diary entry starts with hockey season, it doesn't mean that was the start of my broadcast schedule. I also call games for McMaster University, my alma mater and two football games are already in the books. I'm fortunate enough to broadcast with a local legend, and all around great guy Bubba O'Neill, who also works for CHCH as their main sports anchor. Football isn't my primary sport but man I love calling the game but given my association with McMaster dates back to 1993 when I was a student, the fact that I still get to call games for them as I hit 50 is a thrill. Too bad the Marauders haven't delivered, fashioning an 1-3 record and really up against it to get to the playoffs.
For hockey? May as well start off with a cheap plug, and a spoiler, so her are the highlights from Game 1. Most of the time I'll try and add highlights and clips to supplement the narrative
So an overtime game to kick off the regular season is a nice way to get the adrenalin going and get right into the call. There's nothing like a home opener. Everyone starts off with the same record and everyone feels that their team can win the OHL Championship. Unfortunately for some the puck drops and reality bites. Both Mississauga and Niagara feel that they are in the "contender category", and for good reason. Niagara completely retooled their team in the off-season with new ownership and a slew or trades, including one on opening night and that certainly created a buzz beyond the usual home opener feelings. Mississauga went to the 2nd round last year and returned much of their core. Hope springs eternal for both of these teams! Speaking of ownership, it sure does feel different around here without Bill and Denise Burke as owners. Sure the ice looks the same, the logo looks the same and the colours look the same but there's a hard to explain different vibe. It's not a bad thing. It's just different. I always make sure to say hello to visiting and IceDog media so it was nice to catch up with a couple of beauties in Matt Cullen and Mike Karafilidis who call games for Sauga960. Mike and I have known each other for a while, and he just loves being in the building and around OHL hockey and his infectious enthusiasm is something I wish I could bottle. Matt, who also works for CBC, is an up and comer with a bright future and an impressive resume. Safe to say Mississauga is in good hands with their radio coverage this year.
On the whole we were pleased with our first broadcast. Ed, Al, Darren (our producer) and I set high standards for our self and for the most part we hit those high standards. When you're together for 15 years the way that we have as a broadcast crew you always need new motivations and our collective goal of excellence and desire to put on a NHL quality broadcast. My voice did go through puberty in OT as I let loose on a big call and it came out like a pre-teen squeak. Hey, we have to train our voices too. On the whole a 4-3 OT loss is a loss, but not a disaster as the IceDogs fought back from a 2-0 deficit in the 3rd to send the game to OT.
As the IceDogs hit the road on the weekend I get ready to call the biggest game of the football season for McMaster with the vaunted Western Mustangs in town. It would normally be a fall H***coming. I don't want to say the word as the city and the university are working hard to try and shut down the big unsanctioned parties that happen on this weekend. Not to worry, as your fearless scribe's partying days are long over so I won't be trying to join the fray!
Until next time!
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