Photo credit: Ryan Switzer Twitter
Getting the mic ripped out of my hands
Things that make me go hmm..
Mar 8, 2024 | 8:00 AM
- The photo from the InnovationPlex in Swift Current this week on Twitter caught my eye. A sign reading, ‘Please Do Not bang on the play-by-play booth’ brings back memories of my five years calling games for the Broncos between 1995 and 2000. Brent Parker was the general manager of the Regina Pats back then, and he would often sit in the visiting broadcast booth location, adjacent to where I was calling the home radio broadcast. One game, after the Broncos scored a goal, and fans began banging on the wooden broadcast booth with glee, an angry-looking Parker peered into where I was sitting as I was excitedly exclaiming to those listening on the radio how spectacular of a goal the home team had just scored. Parker, I assume believing I was the one banging on the wooden structure in celebration – not the fans below which indeed was the case – quickly tore the microphone out of my hand and threw it angrily on the desktop. Stunned at Parker’s red face and reaction, I slowly grabbed the microphone and proceeded to call the remainder of the game. I don’t remember Parker swearing at me during the incident, but can’t imagine a verbal barb wasn’t thrown my way during the incident. It will go down as the only time I have had a physical confrontation with a member of the opposition team’s management or coaching staff. I blame the fans below the radio booth for banging on the wooden structure for setting Parker off to the point that he took his frustrations out on the opposition broadcaster.
- It was around this time last year when the Kelowna Rockets were getting off to slow starts. The complaint was head coach Kris Mallette wasn’t motivating his team enough, and was fully responsible for early game indifferent play. This season, the Rockets have scored 73 first-period goals, the 4th most of any team in the Western Hockey League. I had to ask Mallette – tongue in cheek – if he is now responsible for the team’s early game success? “We prepare the same way,” he said. “In the Vancouver game, they score three-third period goals. Is that because I couldn’t motivate them? No, it is because team’s try really hard until the final buzzer sounds. The older guys in our group have to lead by example. If they start slow, we start slow.”
- Call it a slap on the wrist. Our broadcast team received a warning last week about comments made towards an official during last Saturday’s 6-5 shootout loss to the Prince George Cougars. Referee Jake Podann called a hooking penalty on Rockets captain Gabriel Szturc late in the third period in a tied game. Colour Analyst Gord McGarva wasn’t happy with the questionable minor penalty and was further agitated when the Cougars scored on the ensuing power play. Suggesting that Zac Funk’s third goal of the game was assisted by Podann caught the ear of the WHL head office in Calgary. While no fine was issued, a warning was given. And if you don’t think broadcasters can’t be fined for questionable comments, you’d be wrong. One in the Eastern Conference and one in the Western Conference had some choice words, with the team slapped with a $500 fine.
- How about the crowd in Tri-City on Saturday night? Impressive with over 54 hundred attending the game. Sure, it was ‘Weiner Dog Dash’, but for the fans to come out and support the team in that way is impressive considering it looks like the hockey club will miss the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. No sweat for head coach Stu Barnes though. When you have ownership shares in the team, your neck isn’t on the line like other coaches who have had underwhelming results. Just ask Derrick Walser who was gassed in his first season with the Red Deer Rebels.
- It is a question I get a lot. Who is the best interview on the Kelowna Rockets roster? I make that determination quickly in training camp when I talk to most of the players. What criteria do I look for in a good interview? There must be a certain comfort level. If the player is uptight, I can sometimes calm them down by telling them I will edit the interview upon its completion if any missteps are taken during the conversation. I want the player to sound good. My aim is not for him to say anything controversial or provide bulletin board material for the opposition. Typically, the kiss of death is when the players’ answers are vague, or short. The misconception among players is shorter is better. The fact is it makes you sound worse.
- In the early 2000s, I recall doing a series of workshops with the Kelowna Rockets on how to conduct a good interview. The late Ray Putnam, who was hired on as the teams’ communication coach, would organize the gathering with the players, me included, and we would go through typical questions that would be asked by a member of the media. We would conduct mock interviews, which allowed players to practice their verbal skills. Did it help? I think it did, aiding the players in strengthening their communication skills.
- Two milestones will be reached by the time the regular season ends. Max Graham is four games shy of 200 for his career and Kayden Sadra-Kang, if he can play in the final seven games of the regular season, will suit up for career contest #200 on March 23rd against the Vancouver Giants.
- I received an interesting article in my inbox the other day, where a survey was conducted on the dirtiest sports venue in Canada. According to Google reviews, the worst was the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, with Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary placing third and Sask-Tel Centre in Saskatoon, home of the Blades, ranking fourth. In most cases, the washrooms were the main culprit. From my experience in the WHL, the dirtiest arena I regularly called games at was the old ‘Crushed Can’ in Moose Jaw. The broadcast booth, specifically, was dirty. You could visibly see dust sitting everywhere but where you sat. You learned quickly that wearing your best suit in that facility was a bad idea. Fast forward to today, I would think the visitor’s broadcast location in Swift Current is the dirtiest. The wooden structure is visually unappealing, with the old carpet on the floor from someone’s grandma’s house only adding to the eye sore. The garbage can is typically full upon entering, which just adds to the mayhem. In the Western Conference, Wenatchee likely takes the title, as the broadcast location looks like an afterthought. While the arena is nice, makeshift tables are set up as counters in a confined space, with cables and cords strewn everywhere. Speaking of carpet, the media area at Prospera Place needs replacing. Stained, I swear it’s the same flooring as when the arena opened its doors in 1999.
- I told the story during Saturday’s broadcast in Tri-City, but for those who missed it, let me share it again. Karen Bidwell is a long-time season ticket holder and fan of the Kelowna Rockets. She and her husband Len, like many in their golden years, were vacationing in Palm Springs when Len fell ill. Hospitalized with pneumonia, the extended stay in an American hospital resulted in huge medical expenses. Exasperating the problem was Len couldn’t be airlifted to Canada, as no rooms were available at Kelowna General Hospital. As the medical expenses piled up, finally a bed was found at KGH and the Bidwell’s were unable to return home. While the Bidwell’s had health insurance, Karen’s word of advice is to always purchase extended medical if an incident like there’s arises. You can bet MLA Dan Albas will be looking into this situation, on why a bed wasn’t made available during what can only be described as an urgent medical situation.
- How about Calvin Thurkauf! The former Kelowna Rockets power forward has been named the MVP in the Swiss Men’s League. Now 26, Thurkauf received the most first-place votes by coaches and captains after finishing second in the league scoring with 28 goals and 60 points. Thurkauf became the first European-born player to be named the Rockets MVP in the 2017 season. A seventh-round NHL draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thurkauf plays with HC Lugano.
- Scouts are the lifeblood of any WHL team. They pump players into the system where the coaches can develop them. Lorne Frey, the long-time now retired director of player personnel for the Kelowna Rockets is getting his just reward. Frey is going to be inducted into the newly formed Scouts Hall of Fame. Located in Okotoks, Alberta, Frey will be recognized for his success as a scout in major junior hockey, which spans over 30 years. Frey will be added to the scouts ‘Wall of Honour’ this July.
- More Jackson Smith, please! The best young player we’ve set our eyes on in the last week is Tri-City defender Jackson Smith. We had the pleasure of viewing him twice in five days. A first-round pick in 2022, Smith is a terrific skater and a joy to watch. Remember he is just 16 and his growth as a player will only improve. He is the son of former Swift Current Bronco tough guy Wade Smith.
- When was the last time two U.S. Division teams missed the playoffs? It looks like Seattle and Tri-City will miss in 2023-2024. For those wondering, it has never happened since the U.S. Division was formed for the start of the 2001-2002 season.
- At 1623 words, it is time to shut the barn doors for another week. Remember to turn your clocks forward by an hour before turning out the lights on Saturday night. You will thank me on Sunday morning. Hello spring!
Comments