When I rolled into Regina on March 3rd, I truly had no idea what to expect from this abbreviated ‘Hub’ season.
After a year away from the game, and a terribly dark news media cycle, I was starting to lose hope that the grip Covid-19 had on the world would ever loosen.
I spent eleven months bouncing around from one part-time job to another, trying to keep myself afloat as the prospect of a WHL season dwindled. I can guarentee that not many WHL play by play broadcasters spent their time away installing headstones, driving a beer cart and running a steam truck on a service rig.
Finally after months of unanswered questions, the WHL and the owners gave the green light for a return to play, and over 200 players and staff converged on the City of Regina to begin one of the most unique seasons in WHL history.
Over the next two months, the teams in WHL’s East Division ‘Hub’ poured their hearts and souls into the abbreviated 24-game schedule, capped off with the Brandon Wheat Kings clinching the 14th East Division pennant in franchise history.
I would be lying if I said this was an easy experience. Two months away from family, isolated from the outside world took it’s toll. It was a grind.
In the same breath, this was the most fun i’ve had calling games in my 12 year career working in junior hockey. These last 24-games have renewed a passion for the game, that the 24/7 Coronavirus news cycle had sucked out of me.
This was not an easy event to pull off, and there are dozens of people who deserve credit for making this the only WHL division to safely complete their schedule without a positive test.
Thank you to….
The Regina Pats
Team Owners
The Saskatchewan Health Authority
Evraz Place / The Brandt Centre Staff
The University of Regina
The Residence Inn Marriott
Alicia Dorwart (Pats)
Joel Pickering (Pats)
Darren Szabo (Pats)
Evan Daum (Pats)
Westman Communications Group
-John Quail
-Tammy Creepele
Q Country Radio
-Cam Clark
-Tyler Glen
-Brian Wortley
-Corey Morrish
-Erin Gonzales
-The Sales Team
Broadcast Producers
-Dan
-Ally
-Chip
-Brit
Pete Gerlinger (Analyst)
Perry Bergson (Analyst)
Darren Ritchie (BWK)
Doug Gasper (BWK)
Chris Falko (BWK)
Kelly McGuinness (BWK)
Katie Macleod (BWK)
Kevin Muench (WHL)
The off-ice officials
Refferees & Linesman
This was a once in a lifetime experience for the players, staff and everyone involved and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of it.
I don’t know what the future holds when it comes to next season but whenever the puck drops, I look forward to once again being the voice of your team.