Ever wondered what it takes to become the voice of an NHL team? Join us as we sit down with Rick Ball, the new play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Blackhawks, and uncover his incredible journey from Kelowna to Calgary and now to the Windy City. Rick shares his rich history, including his education at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and his unbridled enthusiasm for covering a potential generational talent like Connor Bedard. Gain insight into the personal and professional highs and lows that shaped his career, and discover why Rick is so excited to work alongside Darren Pang in a city with deep hockey roots.
(00:00) - Rick Ball in the Press Row
(10:57) - Navigating Bias in Play-by-Play Commentary
(17:45) - Importance of Game Day Preparation
(22:08) - Broadcast Booth Locations Impact Game Experience
(31:38) - NHL Broadcaster's Favorite Road Cities
(35:51) - NHL Expansion Talks and Chicago Blackhawks

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Ever wondered what it feels like to witness historic Olympic moments up close? Julie recounts a heartwarming story with Canadian sprinter Donovan Bailey, reminiscing about his unforgettable victories at the 1996 Atlanta Games. We also capture the surreal atmosphere of Paris post-Olympics, where the city, adorned with the Olympic rings, provided a magical backdrop. From the intensity of the games to the serenity of summer travel, Julie’s adventures take us from the vibrant streets of Paris to the tranquil beauty of Saint-Tropez, leading into her exciting interview with US Women’s National Team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.

(00:00) Sports Media and Olympic Coverage
(12:54) Emotional Olympics and Paris Trip
(18:57) Summer Adventures and Fantasy Football Auction
(22:44) Sports Broadcasting and Fantasy Football
(30:22) Career Diversity and Adaptability
(33:51) Authenticity and Connection in Sports Broadcasting
(39:58) Hockey Broadcasting Dream Goal
(45:04) Hockey Coverage Evolution and Personalities

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Join us for an exciting episode where we sit down with the legendary John Buccigross from ESPN to explore the world of hockey broadcasting. We kick things off by setting the scene during Seattle's Seafair weekend and discussing the intense nature of the NHL season for both players and broadcasters. John shares his unique experiences at the cutting-edge Sphere venue and offers intriguing insights into its potential for hosting various events. We also talk about the NHL draft, highlighting the personal touch it brings to young players and pondering the future of in-person drafts.

(00:03) NHL Draft and Broadcast Discussions
(10:25) Pursuing a Career in Sports Broadcasting
(15:19) Transition to Video in Media
(25:12) Hockey Broadcasting Career Success
(30:42) Remembering Barry and Hockey Broadcasting
(37:48) Hockey Broadcasting Career Paths
(47:13) Sports Broadcasting Career Reflections

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Ever wondered how a professional athlete makes the leap from the rink to the broadcast booth while juggling the demands of fatherhood? Join us for an insightful conversation with former NHL player and TSN hockey analyst Frankie Corrado as he takes us through his remarkable journey. You’ll hear firsthand about his unforgettable NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks, including the surreal experience of playing against hockey legends like Kane, Toews, Hossa, Keith, and Seabrook. Frankie opens up about the challenges and joys of balancing his new career with parenting premature twins, offering personal anecdotes and valuable advice along the way.

(05:23 - 06:52) NHL Rookie Game Day Experience
(12:03 - 13:42) Player Development and Toolbox in Hockey
(18:32 - 19:34) Overthinking in Baseball Performance
(20:55 - 22:14) Importance of Coaching Character in Hockey
(25:45 - 27:47) Coaching Style and Team Dynamics
(28:49 - 30:53) Transition to Sports Broadcasting Career
(32:40 - 33:20) Staying Relevant in the League
(37:27 - 38:12) Discussion on Mitch Marner's Trade Speculation
(48:38 - 49:35) Off-Season Hockey Insights

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Baseball journalism isn't what it used to be, and Richard Griffin knows why. Join us on this episode of Press Row for an eye-opening conversation with the acclaimed sportswriter, who takes us through his remarkable journey from the PR department of the Montreal Expos to the press box covering the Toronto Blue Jays. Richard offers an insider's view on the evolving landscape of baseball journalism, and the tricky transition from team PR roles to media coverage, and even throws light on the latest buzz around Shohei Ohtani and the wild atmosphere of the MLB winter meetings.

(03:41 - 05:52) Career Evolution in Sports Journalism
(13:14 - 13:58) Media Impact on Canadian Audience Perception
(16:00 - 18:44) MLB Tax and Safety Conditions
(21:29 - 22:42) Blue Jays Front Office Decision Making
(31:42 - 32:42) Blue Jays Owner's Generosity Questioned
(38:54 - 41:08) Comparing Blue Jays Potential Signings
(45:08 - 47:49) Managerial Experience and Analytics in Baseball
(52:09 - 54:31) Baseball Fan Talks Team Relocation

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In our conversation, Kenny opens up about the tightrope walk of fitting in while standing out in the sports broadcasting world. He brings to life his experiences with iconic colleagues like Bob Lee, Charlie Steiner, and Dan Patrick, shedding light on how trust and authenticity play crucial roles in building a successful media career. We also reflect on the groundbreaking contributions of colleagues like Stuart Scott, whose cultural perspective forever changed sports broadcasting. Through Kenny's anecdotes, we gain an understanding of the balance required to cover both lighthearted and serious stories with equal care.

(00:04 - 00:55) Legendary Reunion With Kenny Mayne
(07:32 - 08:34) Fast Track to TV Broadcasting Career
(11:39 - 13:08) Sports Night's Early Influence at ESPN
(16:43 - 18:23) Impactful Personalities in Broadcasting
(20:58 - 21:58) Main Event
(37:57 - 39:12) Life After ESPN
(42:55 - 43:54) Players' Impact on Professional Sports
(47:32 - 48:23) Challenges Facing Sports Beat Reporters

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Join us as we welcome back the insightful Jon Morosi from MLB Network, who shares his latest adventures and sheds light on key developments within Major League Baseball. From enjoying the picturesque weather in Seattle to attending an OHL game and gearing up for the NHL draft in Vegas, Jon’s journey is captivating. We dig into MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's ambitious plans to enhance media accessibility and expand the league to 32 teams, along with the latest updates on ballpark projects in Tampa Bay and Oakland. Plus, we celebrate the success of international MLB events like the London Series and the World Baseball Classic.

(00:02 - 01:17) Summer Activities and Family Catch Up (75 Seconds)
(04:47 - 06:40) MLB Expansion and International Growth (113 Seconds)
(08:40 - 10:01) Baseball Broadcasting Rights Variations (81 Seconds)
(11:47 - 12:29) Reevaluating the Baseball Fan Identity (42 Seconds)
(15:49 - 16:26) Toronto Blue Jays Playoff Contention (37 Seconds)
(19:33 - 20:50) New York Mets Offseason Speculation (77 Seconds)
(25:48 - 27:38) Go All in in Sports Importance (110 Seconds)
(31:34 - 32:36) Maple Leafs and Mariners Discussion (62 Seconds)
(47:32 - 48:49) Impact of International Players on Baseball (77 Seconds)

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Ever wondered what it takes to transition from the intensity of an NHL crease to the fast-paced world of sports media? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Kevin Weekes, a former NHL goalie who shares his captivating journey from the streets of Toronto to the spotlight of hockey broadcasting. Kevin offers an inside look at his family's immigrant experience from Barbados, the unique challenges faced by goalies, and how standing out in this specialized position shaped his career.

(00:01) Kevin Weekes Interview, Former NHL Goalie
(09:32) Black Goalies and Mentors in Hockey
(17:02) Changing Dynamics of Coaching in Sports
(23:25) The Evolution of Goaltending and Coaching
(32:42) Goalies Overcoached in NHL Development
(39:37) Goalie Mentality and Endurance in NHL
(48:49) Goalie Psychology and Offseason Predictions
(55:50) Expansion Plans and NHL Union Insights
(01:07:42) Optimizing NHL Fan Engagement and Coverage
(01:13:39) Inspiring Stories in Hockey World

For more, be sure to visit Yyzsportsmedia.com and follow @yyzsportsmedia