Off-Season Changes

As with many teams and/or organizations summer is the time for change and not just with players or coaches, but also with the broadcasting crew.

We were privy to the news earlier in the week that Vancouver Giants play by play person has left the organization to join Sportsnet 650 to take on the role as the Canucks play by play person for the coming season.

He will be joined by Cory Hirsch and games can be heard on Sportsnet 650 on the radio dial and will be a welcome addition.

I have known and had the privilege of knowing and  working pre-season broadcasts with  Brendan on Delta TV and I know he will bring far more excitement to the game than we have listened to in the past.

Not to take away from any previous broadcasters, but change is a welcome addition – especially for the listener and we all know what Brendan will bring to the rink game in and game out.

Corey will add that extra touch to the game from a goaltenders perspective as well as new insight to the game.

So with Brendan leaving the Giants that left a spot to fill and it never took the Giants long to get their new broadcaster.

The Giants looked, but not far and named Dan O’Connor as the newest member of the team who ironically is from Tsawwassen and obviously familiar with the team.

His family was a billet family for the Giants and his Father was in charge of the the media area for games at the PNE.

He graduated from Columbia Academy and went on to call games in Dawson Creek for the NWJHL Junior Canucks as well as the Battleford North Stars in Saskatchewan, then moved back to BC in 2011.

So O’Connor leaves PG that sent them looking and keeping in the Province the hired Fraser Rodgers who previously worked games for the BCHL Penticton Vees of for the past six years.

While with the Vee’s Fraser called over 470 regular season games, and was behind the mic for three BCHL championships, a Western Canada Cup championship and an Royal Bank Cup National championship.

As with the many changes fresh voices bring a  welcome addition to the game and I welcome that.

I congratulate the above group on moving up with their career and will no-doubt see them around the rinks.

Shots from Delta TV truck for a broadcast while we were doing an interview with Dixon Liong.