Here is something I stumbled upon wihle checking scores this morning. It's a credit card for season ticket holders. Here is the story copied and pasted from the BCHL website.
=====
The Westside Warriors of the BCHL announced today the arrival of the newest evolution in ticketing. Cardticketing.com, the latest innovation developed by Recreation Sports Management of Vancouver, BC, allows for a completely paperless ticketing solution for sports franchises and venues.
Cardticketing.com combines the basic functions of various types of gift cards and the function of storing all tickets for a season ticket holder. The technology creates a fast, seamless system for teams to employ at their points of gate entry.
"Our fans show up to the door for a game, we scan their Warriors fan card, and they’re off to watch the game," explains Westside Warriors General Manager, Mark Cheyne, "It’s really just that simple and without any paper tickets to sweep up after the game!"
Along with storing all their season tickets on one card, the fan has the option to email their tickets to friends for use.
"Instead of having to coordinate how to get tickets that you cannot use for a particular game to your friends, you can simply email them and they receive them instantly. Then it’s just as simple as printing them and bringing your e-ticket to the game,” says Cheyne.
Users of the cards will quickly discover that they can be used as a loyalty card, membership card, gift card, special packaged game pack, an individual game ticket, as well as a full season’s ticket. Card ticketing allows for use in and outside the particular venue where it is employed.
"One of the biggest selling features is the statistical and inventory tracking," comments Westside Warriors co-owner Gary Berman. "We are always looking for ways to enhance the game experience for our fans, and this is another great way of doing it."
Creators and founders of this revolutionary product in the ticketing world have big expectations for its future with plans to take the cards into the major sports venues in North America.
"Being able to offer a sustainable solution to the ticketing market along with the many fundraising opportunities that we now have available to teams and leagues makes this a compelling service to our existing client base of esportsdeskpro.com,"adds Harvey Smith, CEO of RSM Inc.
With no limit to how far this newest innovation can be used, it would be safe to say that card ticketing will be a hot commodity in the junior, minor, and professional sporting world.
For a preview of the system, visit www.cardticketing.com.
=====
Sad to wake up this morning and hear that Ron Lancaster has passed away. Never met the guy but the stories you hear are phenominal. The greatest rider of them all. Rod Pedersen has a great interview over on his blog www.rodpedersen.com.
=====
The Dawson Creek Jr Canucks regular season opener is still a week away (Sept 26th @ FSJ) but the club will wrap up the excebition schedule on Saturday night at home against the visiting Fort St. John Huskies. Game time is 8:00pm.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Scores / schedules
Wednesday's Results
CJAHL
-------
BCHL
Prince George 3 Quesnel 2
AJHL
Bonnyville 3 Spruce Grove 3
Sherwood Park 3 Grande Prairie 4
MJHL
Dauphin 4 Swan Valley 1
--
Canadian Hockey League
OHL
Saginaw 5 London 2
--
Major League Baseball
Toronto 8 Baltimore 7
Boston 3 Tampa Bay 10
=====
Thursday's schedule
CJAHL
--------
BCHL (1)
Merritt @ Westside
AJHL (1)
Calgary Canucks @ Okatoks Oilers 7:30pm
MJHL (1)
Winkler @ Beausejour 7:30pm
--
CHL
WHL (1)
Spokane @ Kootenay 7:30pm *Season Opener*
OHL (2)
Kingston @ Peterborough 7:00pm
Mississauga @ Barrie 7:30pm
Major League Baseball
Baltimore @ Toronto 7:07pm
CJAHL
-------
BCHL
Prince George 3 Quesnel 2
AJHL
Bonnyville 3 Spruce Grove 3
Sherwood Park 3 Grande Prairie 4
MJHL
Dauphin 4 Swan Valley 1
--
Canadian Hockey League
OHL
Saginaw 5 London 2
--
Major League Baseball
Toronto 8 Baltimore 7
Boston 3 Tampa Bay 10
=====
Thursday's schedule
CJAHL
--------
BCHL (1)
Merritt @ Westside
AJHL (1)
Calgary Canucks @ Okatoks Oilers 7:30pm
MJHL (1)
Winkler @ Beausejour 7:30pm
--
CHL
WHL (1)
Spokane @ Kootenay 7:30pm *Season Opener*
OHL (2)
Kingston @ Peterborough 7:00pm
Mississauga @ Barrie 7:30pm
Major League Baseball
Baltimore @ Toronto 7:07pm
Cougars pull the trigger on a deal with the Pats
Prince George, BC- The Prince George Cougars have acquired 19-year old defenceman Dallas Jackson from the Regina Pats in exchange for a 2010 4th round WHL bantam draft pick.
Jackson is a 6’2”, 193 pound native of Edson Alberta. Dallas broke into the WHL last season splitting time with the Red Deer Rebels and the Regina Pats. In 59 games last season he posted 5 goals and 14 assists for 19 points. Jackson also added 41 penalty minutes.
General Manager Dallas Thompson expects Jackson in the line-up this weekend versus the Seattle Thunderbirds.
Jackson is a 6’2”, 193 pound native of Edson Alberta. Dallas broke into the WHL last season splitting time with the Red Deer Rebels and the Regina Pats. In 59 games last season he posted 5 goals and 14 assists for 19 points. Jackson also added 41 penalty minutes.
General Manager Dallas Thompson expects Jackson in the line-up this weekend versus the Seattle Thunderbirds.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
No stopping Thibodeau
This is copied and pasted from last Tuesday's Edmonton Journal
=====
EDMONTON - Ten minutes before Game 3 of the AJHL semifinal series last March, Dr. Mario Millan asked to speak to Gord Thibodeau outside of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons dressing room.
Thibodeau wasn't given an injury update on his team -- he was told his cancer was back.
"That was tough," Thibodeau said recently. "I remember my first instinct was 'What do I tell my wife and daughter?' "
Thibodeau met with his assistants, Nick Roberts and Ron Foy, and gave them the news. Then he walked out behind the visitor's bench at Grant Fuhr Arena and guided his Oil Barons to a 5-4 OT win over the Spruce Grove Saints.
"I don't remember a lot about the game. I was a little scattered that night," he says. "Five minutes after the game, I met with the coaches and we started discussing how we were going to deal with things."
It's something Thibodeau has experience with.
"Once you have cancer, it's always in the back of your mind that it can come back," says his wife Lori. "He is as determined now as he was 20 years ago."
In February of 1989, Thibodeau was a rugged University of Alberta Golden Bears defenceman and a newlywed of six months when he was first diagnosed with cancer.
Doctors confirmed that one of his lymph nodes was malignant. At 25, Thibodeau had Hodgkin's Disease.
He met it the same way he greeted a defender at centre ice: with a tough, determined attitude.
Thibodeau underwent chemotherapy from March to July 1989 and then returned for one more season with the Golden Bears.
"There were only a few re-occurrences and my last radiation treatment was in 1993," he says, noting he was given a clean bill of health.
He was an education student in university, so it was no real surprise upon graduation when Thibodeau entered the coaching ranks.
He went back to the AJHL, a league where, in 1984, he set a record of 74 assists by a defenceman.
Before joining Fort McMurray in 2004 Thibodeau coached the Sherwood Park Crusaders, Lloydminster Bobcats, Grande Prairie Storm and St. Albert Saints. His his first AJHL championship came in 2006.
Life was good. Thibodeau had the Oil Barons on track for the AJHL playoffs once again last winter. And then ...
"I was really feeling run down last January and February," he says. "Deep down, I think I suspected there was more to it than just being sick. But we were in hockey season and hockey players tend to overlook little injuries."
In March, Thibodeau felt even worse and had stomach troubles, but he kept coaching as the team entered the first round of the playoffs against the Bonnyville Pontiacs. After beating the Pontiacs they eliminated the Spruce Grove Saints to advance to the league final against the Camrose Kodiaks.
Thibodeau was so ill he had to miss four games behind the bench during the final.
"At that point I knew I was sick, and on top of that, I had pneumonia issues," says Thibodeau.
A very private man, he wanted to keep the news quiet.
"I knew that Gord was not feeling well from someone who told me," says Camrose coach and GM Boris Rybalka. "I know that we said a prayer for Gord and his family every time that we didn't see him. I know that we were playing for a championship, but our thoughts and prayers were with Gord and not hockey."
Lori says it was very hard to watch her husband at home, listening to the games on the radio.
"I was torn between coming back for Game 7. Health wise, I wondered if I was well enough to go," admits Thibodeau. "But I wanted to be there for my team because it's a long season and you want to show support. I remember feeling really fatigued on the bench. But you know what? I'm sure glad I was there."
The Oil Barons went down in defeat. But not their coach.
A week after, he went under the knife and then began 20 chemotherapy treatments. His next checkup is in December, but Thibodeau thinks the cancer is gone.
And that means he continues his coaching career.
"He has brought a significant meaning and professionalism to coaching in the AJHL," says league president Craig Cripps.
"We are a stronger more competitive league with Gord's involvement. His battle takes us outside the arena, further bonding the AJHL family outside the realm of hockey."
Thibodeau just finished a three-games-in-three-night trek on the weekend, and there's no stopping him now.
"Hope isn't the answer. Belief is," he says.
"And I had a belief this was something we were going to take care of very quickly."
=====
EDMONTON - Ten minutes before Game 3 of the AJHL semifinal series last March, Dr. Mario Millan asked to speak to Gord Thibodeau outside of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons dressing room.
Thibodeau wasn't given an injury update on his team -- he was told his cancer was back.
"That was tough," Thibodeau said recently. "I remember my first instinct was 'What do I tell my wife and daughter?' "
Thibodeau met with his assistants, Nick Roberts and Ron Foy, and gave them the news. Then he walked out behind the visitor's bench at Grant Fuhr Arena and guided his Oil Barons to a 5-4 OT win over the Spruce Grove Saints.
"I don't remember a lot about the game. I was a little scattered that night," he says. "Five minutes after the game, I met with the coaches and we started discussing how we were going to deal with things."
It's something Thibodeau has experience with.
"Once you have cancer, it's always in the back of your mind that it can come back," says his wife Lori. "He is as determined now as he was 20 years ago."
In February of 1989, Thibodeau was a rugged University of Alberta Golden Bears defenceman and a newlywed of six months when he was first diagnosed with cancer.
Doctors confirmed that one of his lymph nodes was malignant. At 25, Thibodeau had Hodgkin's Disease.
He met it the same way he greeted a defender at centre ice: with a tough, determined attitude.
Thibodeau underwent chemotherapy from March to July 1989 and then returned for one more season with the Golden Bears.
"There were only a few re-occurrences and my last radiation treatment was in 1993," he says, noting he was given a clean bill of health.
He was an education student in university, so it was no real surprise upon graduation when Thibodeau entered the coaching ranks.
He went back to the AJHL, a league where, in 1984, he set a record of 74 assists by a defenceman.
Before joining Fort McMurray in 2004 Thibodeau coached the Sherwood Park Crusaders, Lloydminster Bobcats, Grande Prairie Storm and St. Albert Saints. His his first AJHL championship came in 2006.
Life was good. Thibodeau had the Oil Barons on track for the AJHL playoffs once again last winter. And then ...
"I was really feeling run down last January and February," he says. "Deep down, I think I suspected there was more to it than just being sick. But we were in hockey season and hockey players tend to overlook little injuries."
In March, Thibodeau felt even worse and had stomach troubles, but he kept coaching as the team entered the first round of the playoffs against the Bonnyville Pontiacs. After beating the Pontiacs they eliminated the Spruce Grove Saints to advance to the league final against the Camrose Kodiaks.
Thibodeau was so ill he had to miss four games behind the bench during the final.
"At that point I knew I was sick, and on top of that, I had pneumonia issues," says Thibodeau.
A very private man, he wanted to keep the news quiet.
"I knew that Gord was not feeling well from someone who told me," says Camrose coach and GM Boris Rybalka. "I know that we said a prayer for Gord and his family every time that we didn't see him. I know that we were playing for a championship, but our thoughts and prayers were with Gord and not hockey."
Lori says it was very hard to watch her husband at home, listening to the games on the radio.
"I was torn between coming back for Game 7. Health wise, I wondered if I was well enough to go," admits Thibodeau. "But I wanted to be there for my team because it's a long season and you want to show support. I remember feeling really fatigued on the bench. But you know what? I'm sure glad I was there."
The Oil Barons went down in defeat. But not their coach.
A week after, he went under the knife and then began 20 chemotherapy treatments. His next checkup is in December, but Thibodeau thinks the cancer is gone.
And that means he continues his coaching career.
"He has brought a significant meaning and professionalism to coaching in the AJHL," says league president Craig Cripps.
"We are a stronger more competitive league with Gord's involvement. His battle takes us outside the arena, further bonding the AJHL family outside the realm of hockey."
Thibodeau just finished a three-games-in-three-night trek on the weekend, and there's no stopping him now.
"Hope isn't the answer. Belief is," he says.
"And I had a belief this was something we were going to take care of very quickly."
Scores / schedules
Results from Tuesday Sept 16th.
CJAHL
---------
AJHL
Canmore Eagles 6 OT
Calgary Royals 5
Drumheller Dragons 3
Brooks Bandits 1
Calgary Canucks 6
Olds Grizzlys 3
SJHL
Nipiwan Hawks 5
Battlefords North Stars 1
Weyburn Red Wings 6
Estevan Bruins 3
MJHL
Selkirk Steelers 9
Winkler Flyers 3
Portage Terriers 6
Neepawa Natives 3
Winnipeg Saints 11
Beausejour Blades 2
OPJHL
Georgetown 4
Bramalea 3
CJHL
Kanata 4
Kemptville 1
MJAHL
Bridgewater Nauss TIM-BR Mart 7
Halifax 3
=====
Schedule: Wednesday Sept 17
CJAHL
--------
BCHL (1)
Quesnel @ Prince George 7:00pm
AJHL (2)
Bonnyville @ Spruce Grove 7:00pm
Sherwood Park @ Grande Prairie 7:30pm
MJHL (1)
Dauphin @ Swan Valley 7:30pm
NOJHL (2)
Soo Thunderbirds @ Soo Eagles 7:30pm
North Bay @ Sudbury 7:30pm
OPJHL (2)
Georgetown @ Mississauga 7:30pm
Trenton @ Pickering 7:30pm
CJHL (1)
Hawkesbury @ Ottawa 7:30pm
MJAHL (1)
Miramichi @ Restigouche 7:30pm
=====
CHL
-----
Ontario Hockey League - season opens today (1)
London @ Saginaw 7:11pm
QMJHL (2)
Val-d'Or @ Cape Breton 7:00pm
Chicoutimi @ Gatineau 7:00pm
=====
Major League Baseball
Baltimore @ Toronto 7:07pm
Boston @ Tampa Bay 7:10pm
CJAHL
---------
AJHL
Canmore Eagles 6 OT
Calgary Royals 5
Drumheller Dragons 3
Brooks Bandits 1
Calgary Canucks 6
Olds Grizzlys 3
SJHL
Nipiwan Hawks 5
Battlefords North Stars 1
Weyburn Red Wings 6
Estevan Bruins 3
MJHL
Selkirk Steelers 9
Winkler Flyers 3
Portage Terriers 6
Neepawa Natives 3
Winnipeg Saints 11
Beausejour Blades 2
OPJHL
Georgetown 4
Bramalea 3
CJHL
Kanata 4
Kemptville 1
MJAHL
Bridgewater Nauss TIM-BR Mart 7
Halifax 3
=====
Schedule: Wednesday Sept 17
CJAHL
--------
BCHL (1)
Quesnel @ Prince George 7:00pm
AJHL (2)
Bonnyville @ Spruce Grove 7:00pm
Sherwood Park @ Grande Prairie 7:30pm
MJHL (1)
Dauphin @ Swan Valley 7:30pm
NOJHL (2)
Soo Thunderbirds @ Soo Eagles 7:30pm
North Bay @ Sudbury 7:30pm
OPJHL (2)
Georgetown @ Mississauga 7:30pm
Trenton @ Pickering 7:30pm
CJHL (1)
Hawkesbury @ Ottawa 7:30pm
MJAHL (1)
Miramichi @ Restigouche 7:30pm
=====
CHL
-----
Ontario Hockey League - season opens today (1)
London @ Saginaw 7:11pm
QMJHL (2)
Val-d'Or @ Cape Breton 7:00pm
Chicoutimi @ Gatineau 7:00pm
=====
Major League Baseball
Baltimore @ Toronto 7:07pm
Boston @ Tampa Bay 7:10pm
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
New look blog
You may (or may not) have noticed that the blog is taking on a slightly different look. Same basic template but a bit of a change with some of the sidebar stuff and the picture used in the header.
This week I'm starting to think of some ideas for a sports talk show. It will be weekly (most likely Monday evenings) and an hour long.
If you have any ideas as to what you would like to see on the blog and on the sports show let me know.
Also I'm taking suggestions as to a name. I need to name the sports talk show. Ideas I've been tossing around: Sportsline, Sportstalk, Monday Night Sports.
Keep the ideas coming... either post a comment to this blog post or you can send me an e-mail at darren@peacefm.ca.
I'm hoping to also use this site as a sports central. I want to have schedules, scores, news of all local sports and activities going on. If you have something that you want promoted just fire me an e-mail as well.
I hope to start posting more regularly very soon.
dd
This week I'm starting to think of some ideas for a sports talk show. It will be weekly (most likely Monday evenings) and an hour long.
If you have any ideas as to what you would like to see on the blog and on the sports show let me know.
Also I'm taking suggestions as to a name. I need to name the sports talk show. Ideas I've been tossing around: Sportsline, Sportstalk, Monday Night Sports.
Keep the ideas coming... either post a comment to this blog post or you can send me an e-mail at darren@peacefm.ca.
I'm hoping to also use this site as a sports central. I want to have schedules, scores, news of all local sports and activities going on. If you have something that you want promoted just fire me an e-mail as well.
I hope to start posting more regularly very soon.
dd
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Canucks impress in pre-season win
DAWSON CREEK -- The Dawson Creek Jr Canucks impressed in a 6-3 win at the Memorial Arena Saturday night over the visiting Grand Prairie Wheelers.
Goldenter Cody Garnett was strong in the victory for the Canucks playing the entire 60 minues while GP decided to play a different netminder in each of the 3 periods.
Fight count: 4
=====
The Riders are now 8-3 after a 28-23 loss to the BC Lions on Saturday. More at www.riderville.com
=====
Still working out some of the ideas for a weekly sports talk show that hopefully will be up and running in the next few weeks. It will be available on Peace FM and on the world wide web www.peacefm.ca. Any ideas on what you would like to hear let me know at darren@peacefm.ca.
=====
Time to sleep.
dd
Goldenter Cody Garnett was strong in the victory for the Canucks playing the entire 60 minues while GP decided to play a different netminder in each of the 3 periods.
Fight count: 4
=====
The Riders are now 8-3 after a 28-23 loss to the BC Lions on Saturday. More at www.riderville.com
=====
Still working out some of the ideas for a weekly sports talk show that hopefully will be up and running in the next few weeks. It will be available on Peace FM and on the world wide web www.peacefm.ca. Any ideas on what you would like to hear let me know at darren@peacefm.ca.
=====
Time to sleep.
dd
Saturday, September 13, 2008
A new chapter begins tonight
I'll get my first chance to call BC hockey tonight as the Dawson Creek Jr Canucks entertain Fort St. John in preseason action at the Dawson Creek Memorial Arena (need to find an acronym like WCEC).
This is the first of four preseason games for the nucks and I have no idea what to expect. We're on the air at 104.1 in DC and 94.5fm in Chetwynd... don't forget http://www.peacefm.ca/. Have a listen.
I'll follow up after the broadcast.
Cheers
dd
This is the first of four preseason games for the nucks and I have no idea what to expect. We're on the air at 104.1 in DC and 94.5fm in Chetwynd... don't forget http://www.peacefm.ca/. Have a listen.
I'll follow up after the broadcast.
Cheers
dd
Friday, September 12, 2008
New Beginnings
Well I'm almost finished with week 2 here in Chetwynd and so far so good.
I really miss the Klippers but think that being a sports director here at Peace FM will really help take me where I want to go. Time will tell I suppose.
This post is a quick one but I hope to begin posting more regularly by as soon as this afternoon.
Have a great day!
I really miss the Klippers but think that being a sports director here at Peace FM will really help take me where I want to go. Time will tell I suppose.
This post is a quick one but I hope to begin posting more regularly by as soon as this afternoon.
Have a great day!
Friday, August 29, 2008
My last post... as a Klipper
"We hope, you enjoyed your stay
It's good to have you with us, even if it's just for the day
We hope, you enjoyed your stay
Outside the sun in shining, seems like heaven ain't far away
It's good t have you with us, even if it's just for the day"
-from the Killers-exitlude.
Well it has been the best two seasons that I have EVER spent at the rink.
Forget pee wee league championship games. Forget bantam provincials. Forget the first time playing for the local sr hockey team.
The past two seasons spent in the Klippers press box have been the best two seasons that I have spent at the rink - BAR NONE.
Nothing will replace the memories and the experience gained since I first came to town on September 5th, 2006. I remember taking a drive that day to meet the Klippers new head coach Larry Wintoneak. You don't know intimidation until you have been put in my shoes at that very moment. Trust me.
The first few games were rough... you remember. But I'd like to think that I've grown a lot over my time with the team.
There was the last game of the 2006-2007 season when the Klippers lost a single goal to the Battlefords. I listen back to that game and you can just see how our hearts sank in the broadcast booth by listening to the post game show.
That's what the Klippers were to me. They were more than a hockey team, more than a job.
I remember one road trip during my first season. We were in LaRonge staying at the hotel and we had played the night before. That day we were headed to the rink to grab the gear and go for some grub. Following the meal we were off to Flin Flon. With Larry, if the itinerary says depart at 12:00 the bus is pulling out at 12:05 regardless of who is on the bus. Well let's just say a few of us may have missed the bus. (myself, Davin Pedersen, Casey Rempel, Luke Boyer, Matt Sawa) We had to grab a taxi in LaRonge which consisted of an astro van. (not one of my finer moments). Later that night after the Flin Flon game, the five of us had to load the entire bus (I don't even play!).
So many memories that I will not forget.
Let's talk about last year's playoffs and the run to game seven of the Credential Cup final. Matt Sawa (very classy guy I wish him all the best in Regina) scoring the game winning goal in overtime against the Weyburn Red Wings in game one.
That was just the beginning!
There was double overtime to end the series when Jonathan Redlick finished off the Wings.
How about the Melville series? Leedahl scoring with no time on the clock in game 2 was just phenomenal. Let's also mention Ryan Nieszner's big save on Daniel Hope just minutes before to save the game.
Back in Kindersley the overtime contest to clinch the series. My heart was pounding and racing the entire game!
These are things I won't ever forget.
Then there was Humboldt. Down in game one only to come back and Kirk Pearce won the game in overtime. Then the triple ot game back at the WCEC when Leedahl worked some more magic.
When the Klippers lost game seven I think I may have shed a tear. When you travel with the team and are with them so much during the season you really become a part of it. That's what happened. I became a part of the group. I really embraced the Klippers and believed in what they were all about. I loved my job.
In the past two seasons I learned many lessons as well.
Larry was up in my kitchen on more than one occasion. And each time I came away from it a better person and a better broadcaster. Larry taught me things about the game and about the business that you can't learn in school. You can't learn those types of lessons at the radio station and I probably wouldn't have learned them from anyone else. He was like a mentor on the road always tossing out a tip here or there on etiquette or how to do it like the pros. He helped me hone my interviewing skills and has made me the broadcaster I am today. I owe a lot to that man and will forever be in debt.
Nancy: I'll miss you too. You do a ton of work around there and so much for me. You always had anything and everything that I could possibly need. Plus I could always look for a great reaction from you and Keith after a big Klipper goal.
To the people I met along the way:
To all the fellow broadcasters you guys helped out in ways you don't even know. When I first came into the league I was constantly listening to other guys call games. I needed to know what the experienced guys said on the air and how they called the games. Rob Hart was one of the best. In Flin Flon Rob always had something positive to say to me. He always had a tip that could help out the broadcasts. To all of the other broadcasters in the league thanks for all your help (colour commentary, interviews, etc) it was greatly appreciated.
To all the parents and fans that I met at the rink: The feedback I received was amazing and greatly appreciated. Getting a chance to talk to parents after the games and during the home games really gave me an extra perspective to think about. Seeing how pumped they got and how excited they sounded was just great. Always a great word to say about the broadcasts and that really gave me the confidence to become a better broadcaster.
One thing I really won't forget is the series with the Melville Millionaires. Sitting up in the press box when Brett Leedahl scored that overtime goal in game 2 was breathtaking. The support from parents and fans was unforgettable. Mr. Perreaux organizing the white towels was a genius idea. Klipper fans made more noise than the Mills ones and the game was in Melville!
So the point of this post is to let you know that I will be moving on in my career. I have accepted a new job in the business and, thus, must say my goodbyes.
I will leave you in good hands though. Ryan Tunall, who has been the morning show voice for the past two years, will be taking over the play by play. Ryan hails from Eston and has a great knowledge of the game and should provide excellent commentary.
Ryan will also be blogging at http://ryantunall.blogspot.com/ for the season.
I want to thank everyone again for everything that you have done for me over the past two years and I hope and encourage everyone to keep in touch with me.
I will continue blogging and it will be linked to Ryan's blog. You can also feel free to send me an e-mail anytime you wish at dupont_darren@yahoo.ca. I'll always have time for a chat.
I do plan to be back through town on my way home for Christmas and other holidays and just might have to stop in at the WCEC for a good 'ol Klipper game.
I'll miss this team and I'll sure miss the community!
*** Ryan and I will be at the WCEC Saturday morning at the inter squad game. A last chance to say goodbye and meet the new pxp voice of the Kindersley Jr Klippers. Hope to see you bright and early (10am is early to me lol) Saturday morning!!!
It's good to have you with us, even if it's just for the day
We hope, you enjoyed your stay
Outside the sun in shining, seems like heaven ain't far away
It's good t have you with us, even if it's just for the day"
-from the Killers-exitlude.
Well it has been the best two seasons that I have EVER spent at the rink.
Forget pee wee league championship games. Forget bantam provincials. Forget the first time playing for the local sr hockey team.
The past two seasons spent in the Klippers press box have been the best two seasons that I have spent at the rink - BAR NONE.
Nothing will replace the memories and the experience gained since I first came to town on September 5th, 2006. I remember taking a drive that day to meet the Klippers new head coach Larry Wintoneak. You don't know intimidation until you have been put in my shoes at that very moment. Trust me.
The first few games were rough... you remember. But I'd like to think that I've grown a lot over my time with the team.
There was the last game of the 2006-2007 season when the Klippers lost a single goal to the Battlefords. I listen back to that game and you can just see how our hearts sank in the broadcast booth by listening to the post game show.
That's what the Klippers were to me. They were more than a hockey team, more than a job.
I remember one road trip during my first season. We were in LaRonge staying at the hotel and we had played the night before. That day we were headed to the rink to grab the gear and go for some grub. Following the meal we were off to Flin Flon. With Larry, if the itinerary says depart at 12:00 the bus is pulling out at 12:05 regardless of who is on the bus. Well let's just say a few of us may have missed the bus. (myself, Davin Pedersen, Casey Rempel, Luke Boyer, Matt Sawa) We had to grab a taxi in LaRonge which consisted of an astro van. (not one of my finer moments). Later that night after the Flin Flon game, the five of us had to load the entire bus (I don't even play!).
So many memories that I will not forget.
Let's talk about last year's playoffs and the run to game seven of the Credential Cup final. Matt Sawa (very classy guy I wish him all the best in Regina) scoring the game winning goal in overtime against the Weyburn Red Wings in game one.
That was just the beginning!
There was double overtime to end the series when Jonathan Redlick finished off the Wings.
How about the Melville series? Leedahl scoring with no time on the clock in game 2 was just phenomenal. Let's also mention Ryan Nieszner's big save on Daniel Hope just minutes before to save the game.
Back in Kindersley the overtime contest to clinch the series. My heart was pounding and racing the entire game!
These are things I won't ever forget.
Then there was Humboldt. Down in game one only to come back and Kirk Pearce won the game in overtime. Then the triple ot game back at the WCEC when Leedahl worked some more magic.
When the Klippers lost game seven I think I may have shed a tear. When you travel with the team and are with them so much during the season you really become a part of it. That's what happened. I became a part of the group. I really embraced the Klippers and believed in what they were all about. I loved my job.
In the past two seasons I learned many lessons as well.
Larry was up in my kitchen on more than one occasion. And each time I came away from it a better person and a better broadcaster. Larry taught me things about the game and about the business that you can't learn in school. You can't learn those types of lessons at the radio station and I probably wouldn't have learned them from anyone else. He was like a mentor on the road always tossing out a tip here or there on etiquette or how to do it like the pros. He helped me hone my interviewing skills and has made me the broadcaster I am today. I owe a lot to that man and will forever be in debt.
Nancy: I'll miss you too. You do a ton of work around there and so much for me. You always had anything and everything that I could possibly need. Plus I could always look for a great reaction from you and Keith after a big Klipper goal.
To the people I met along the way:
To all the fellow broadcasters you guys helped out in ways you don't even know. When I first came into the league I was constantly listening to other guys call games. I needed to know what the experienced guys said on the air and how they called the games. Rob Hart was one of the best. In Flin Flon Rob always had something positive to say to me. He always had a tip that could help out the broadcasts. To all of the other broadcasters in the league thanks for all your help (colour commentary, interviews, etc) it was greatly appreciated.
To all the parents and fans that I met at the rink: The feedback I received was amazing and greatly appreciated. Getting a chance to talk to parents after the games and during the home games really gave me an extra perspective to think about. Seeing how pumped they got and how excited they sounded was just great. Always a great word to say about the broadcasts and that really gave me the confidence to become a better broadcaster.
One thing I really won't forget is the series with the Melville Millionaires. Sitting up in the press box when Brett Leedahl scored that overtime goal in game 2 was breathtaking. The support from parents and fans was unforgettable. Mr. Perreaux organizing the white towels was a genius idea. Klipper fans made more noise than the Mills ones and the game was in Melville!
So the point of this post is to let you know that I will be moving on in my career. I have accepted a new job in the business and, thus, must say my goodbyes.
I will leave you in good hands though. Ryan Tunall, who has been the morning show voice for the past two years, will be taking over the play by play. Ryan hails from Eston and has a great knowledge of the game and should provide excellent commentary.
Ryan will also be blogging at http://ryantunall.blogspot.com/ for the season.
I want to thank everyone again for everything that you have done for me over the past two years and I hope and encourage everyone to keep in touch with me.
I will continue blogging and it will be linked to Ryan's blog. You can also feel free to send me an e-mail anytime you wish at dupont_darren@yahoo.ca. I'll always have time for a chat.
I do plan to be back through town on my way home for Christmas and other holidays and just might have to stop in at the WCEC for a good 'ol Klipper game.
I'll miss this team and I'll sure miss the community!
*** Ryan and I will be at the WCEC Saturday morning at the inter squad game. A last chance to say goodbye and meet the new pxp voice of the Kindersley Jr Klippers. Hope to see you bright and early (10am is early to me lol) Saturday morning!!!
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