Ask me anything about Hockey Night in Canada.......

[walleye*guy]

Well - it's playoffs and the ask me's are the thing........
Yes - I operate a camera on HNIC
No - I can't get you tickets
No - I can't get you a job......

[Siefer999]

damn, you answered all the questions i wanted to ask

[flyguy3bua]

When will all games (notably games not involving the Leafs) be broadcasted in widescreen format on CBCHD?

[fishlips20]

ummm.... what could we possibly ask you about HNIC?

Where does Don Cherry get his suits made?
How friendly are Ron and Don in person?
Have you ever gotten into a heated argument with Don? Did you win?
Do you roll your eyes while in studio when he makes a racist comment about french-canadians or are you contractuatlly obligated to give him a thumbs up and smile?

[lip1978]

Do you only do games in Edm, or do you get to travel?

[walleye*guy]

When will all games (notably games not involving the Leafs) be broadcasted in widescreen format on CBCHD?
CBC is a little restricted in that we only have one true HD truck. The other trucks up here are 16x9 but not 1080i. Most playoffs should be 16x9, the Ottawa homes should be true HD. Dunno about the states, they're all rentals and you never know what you'll get. (Detroit should be true HD if the truck we want shows up...)

[Montague]

Why the heck is Bob Cole STILL employed? :mad:

[walleye*guy]

ummm.... what could we possibly ask you about HNIC?

Where does Don Cherry get his suits made?
How friendly are Ron and Don in person?
Have you ever gotten into a heated argument with Don? Did you win?
Do you roll your eyes while in studio when he makes a racist comment about french-canadians or are you contractuatlly obligated to give him a thumbs up and smile?

yikes - Don gets his suits and shirts custom-made...... that's all I'll say
As for Ron & Don - they just work together, when on the road they'll hang together. But I can guarantee that Don hasn't invited Ron over for a BBQ EVER!!
yes Don and I have had a disagreement - nobody other than Cherry ever wins - ever
and Don usually does not allow anyone other than Ron in the studio during coaches corner.

[walleye*guy]

Why the heck is Bob Cole STILL employed? :mad:
Great hockey voice that the brass loves, large mental lapses that they choose to ignore. (not just my opinion either)

[thelefteyeguy]

do you get in trouble if your camera is consistently focused on a chic with huge cans?

[walleye*guy]

Do you only do games in Edm, or do you get to travel?
Mostly in Edmonton, it's a lot cheaper to hire locals. They have to pay my room & per diem. Sometimes I get requested for travel - The Joe in Detroit has rats bigger than my cat + it's in an "interesting" part of town...

[walleye*guy]

do you get in trouble if your camera is consistently focused on a chic with huge cans?
depends on the director.......
usually the truck is pretty politically incorrect and we have been called pigs more than once....(laughingly) you try to relax the people inside and make the director happy.
the chicks with big'uns never make it to air on CBC..... other networks/other rules as I'm sure you've seen. (had one non-CBC director who'd buy a beer for the one that found the biggest pair in a crowd)

[mlc2000]

Why did they kill off the cartoon character Peter Puck?

Why don't they have the stars challenge thing between periods where players have to shoot at the bullseye targets in the net? Power Stars? Showdown?

I remember my friends having those targets you could attach to the net.

[thelefteyeguy]

damn CBC directors need to be more laid back!

[coopaloop]

1)How long have you worked at CBC

2) Is it true that HNIC is run by a woman.

3) Is Kelly Hrudey as nice in real life as he seems on TV

4.) Who might be the next person to replace Don Cherry

5.) Who is the next up and coming brodcaster

6.) Have you ever had a run in with a player or coach before

[walleye*guy]

Why did they kill off the cartoon character Peter Puck?

Why don't they have the stars challenge thing between periods where players have to shoot at the bullseye targets in the net? Power Stars? Showdown?

I remember my friends having those targets you could attach to the net.

Don't know why they killed off Peter Puck..... maybe Peter Pocklington took it too personal....
I just remember Showdown as a sponsored intermission filler with NHL skaters and goalies in penalty shots. don't recall the targets..
got killed because the players wanted too much $$$$ and then they folded it into the all-star stuff

[fishlips20]

- Who develops those HNIC intro clips? Follow-up to that, why is that the only thing that looks polished/professionally-finished on the CBC?
- Is HNIC entirely funded by advertising dollars or are you a drain on our tax dollars?
- What would it take to pull a guy like Pierre McGuire over to the CBC team? Do youy think he can take down Don in a face-off over hockey opinions?
- Are there any GMs who refuse to talk with CBC? Everyone always seems so ready and willing to speak to your reporters...

[walleye*guy]

1)How long have you worked at CBC

2) Is it true that HNIC is run by a woman.

3) Is Kelly Hrudey as nice in real life as he seems on TV

4.) Who might be the next person to replace Don Cherry

5.) Who is the next up and coming brodcaster

6.) Have you ever had a run in with a player or coach before

Been at the CBC since 1981 - started hockey camera in 1984 (good timing with the Oilers)

CBC Sports is run by a woman, HNIC exec. producer is a man.

Kelly is nicer in real life - just a heck of a guy.

Next person to replace the Don? I dunno - I might get banned if I expressed my opinion.

Next up-and-comer? Well, Chris Cuthberth will be the next superstar. He's probably the best sportscaster in North America IMHO. New kid? Ryan Rishaug.

Well - I had Therin Fleury throw a stick at me (missed - then he kicked my tripod and smashed it) Glen Sathers' told me to f*ck off more than once.

[StarStrike]

Been at the CBC since 1981 - started hockey camera in 1984 (good timing with the Oilers)

CBC Sports is run by a woman, HNIC exec. producer is a man.

Kelly is nicer in real life - just a heck of a guy.

Next person to replace the Don? I dunno - I might get banned if I expressed my opinion.

Next up-and-comer? Well, Chris Cuthberth will be the next superstar. He's probably the best sportscaster in North America IMHO. New kid? Ryan Rishaug.

Well - I had Therin Fleury throw a stick at me (missed - then he kicked my tripod and smashed it) Glen Sathers' told me to f*ck off more than once.

http://www.newyorkrangers.com/team/images/headshots/Sather_Glen.jpg
"F*CK OFF WALLEYE GUY"

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[walleye*guy]

- Who develops those HNIC intro clips? Follow-up to that, why is that the only thing that looks polished/professionally-finished on the CBC?
- Is HNIC entirely funded by advertising dollars or are you a drain on our tax dollars?
- What would it take to pull a guy like Pierre McGuire over to the CBC team? Do youy think he can take down Don in a face-off over hockey opinions?
- Are there any GMs who refuse to talk with CBC? Everyone always seems so ready and willing to speak to your reporters...
A production team in T.O. does the clips they are arguably the best in the world, spends major $$ on them...which ties into your second question. HNIC actually makes money for the CBC. A guess would be $100,000/game regular season - $150 playoffs.... As for McGuire, I don't think he'd want to work for a "government" broadcaster. ever. only an obscene amount would sway him. Him vs Cherry would be interesting, you'd need to mike it from across the street. I'd have to take Cherry by a slap to the head though......
All GM's want to talk on TV - the ego's are usually super-sized and they know the more their face is in front of a camera - the better chance of getting another job after they're fired. The exception to this - Glen Sather....he don't care no more.....

[walleye*guy]

http://www.newyorkrangers.com/team/images/headshots/Sather_Glen.jpg
"F*CK OFF WALLEYE GUY"

:lol: :lol: :lol:
I recall more sneer and less smile........... :D

[gordholio]

Is Bob Cole considering retirement in the next few years?
He still has a great voice for play by play, but he does have the mental lapses - years ago, he was much better and sharper. (Of course his age might have something to do with his decline).
Does CBC have a particular person (like Jim Hughson) in mind when Cole retires?
Thanks. :)

[steve.m]

why was peter puck taken off? I use to love watching that as a child.
They should bring it back for kids today.
http://www.frymybacon.com/media/images/articles/article_0078_01.jpg

[lithiumli]

when are our leafs going to win the cup again :(

[walleye*guy]

Is Bob Cole considering retirement in the next few years?
He still has a great voice for play by play, but he does have the mental lapses - years ago, he was much better and sharper. (Of course his age might have something to do with his decline).
Does CBC have a particular person (like Jim Hughson) in mind when Cole retires?
Thanks. :)
Honestly - I don't know about Bob Coles retirement - he might be waiting until the Leafs win the cup again. Better get used to him.
I think Hughson will be the heir apparant to Mr. Cole. That's why they brought him over in replacing Cuthbert.

[walleye*guy]

when are our leafs going to win the cup again :(
see above post - when Cole retires

[walleye*guy]

why was peter puck taken off? I use to love watching that as a child.
They should bring it back for kids today.
http://www.frymybacon.com/media/images/articles/article_0078_01.jpg
Seriously, bringing back Peter would probably be a good idea......
we should start a write in campaign!!!
WE WANT PETER WE WANT PETER WE WANT PETER

but I'm just what they call a shot-hog - they don't pay much mind to me...

[poedua]

Don't know why they killed off Peter Puck..... maybe Peter Pocklington took it too personal....
I just remember Showdown as a sponsored intermission filler with NHL skaters and goalies in penalty shots. don't recall the targets..
got killed because the players wanted too much $$$$ and then they folded it into the all-star stuff


Video replay / goals that are reviewed.

When the a goal is questionable and the ref "goes upstairs "for video replay ............................


- is it someone in Toronto viewing footage of the " alleged " goal in question or someone at the rink or both ?

- we at home keep seeing the " goal " replayed 10 or 11 times from various angles, netcams etc on TV till the ref makes the final call ...does the NHL video judge use the same ( as we see ) or differerent cameras ( angles ) to judge goals ( than those images we see home ) ?

- if so, how many cameras are set up in rinks for goal judges / reviews and are there the same number of camers set up in the same places in each rink in the NHL - standardization ?

[poedua]

Well - it's playoffs and the ask me's are the thing........
Yes - I operate a camera on HNIC
No - I can't get you tickets
No - I can't get you a job......

I always thought Don Whitman was a very versatile and polished announcer......with a great voice...how is he regarded among his peers ?

[coopaloop]

Nobody adds as much excitement to the game as Buffalo Sabres Rick Jeanneret ......I love his calls

[walleye*guy]

Video replay / goals that are reviewed.

When the a goal is questionable and the ref "goes upstairs "for video replay ............................


- is it someone in Toronto viewing footage of the " alleged " goal in question or someone at the rink or both ?

- we at home keep seeing the " goal " replayed 10 or 11 times from various angles, netcams etc on TV till the ref makes the final call ...does the NHL video judge use the same ( as we see ) or differerent cameras ( angles ) to judge goals ( than those images we see home ) ?

- if so, how many cameras are set up in rinks for goal judges / reviews and are there the same number of camers set up in the same places in each rink in the NHL - standardization ?
The NHL has standard video review cameras/procedures in all rinks. The "call" of the goal is made locally (as far as I know) - they only have one phone up there and it's a secure line to the timer's bench. In the Video replay booth they have 4 monitors - two are dedicated to the "over-the-net cams" (one each end). These cameras are the property of the NHL (we get a feed of them - that's how we see it) They also have 3 TIVO units - one for each overhead camera and one for the TV network feed that we are obliged to give them. They record their own cameras and the feed we give them - they control the playback of these feeds. This is so they can back up the play-by-play camera and see that angle, as it usually shows what happened the best. The fourth monitor is for a "live" feed from the network. This is where they see all the additional replays that we bag. They have no control on what we air - but they know if we have a -definative- angle we will show it. and show it twice. It's the rule. They make the call from every available camera and angle that we come up with. It's up to them if they use it - sometimes I believe they will make the call before seeing all the eveidence.

[walleye*guy]

I always thought Don Whitman was a very versatile and polished announcer......with a great voice...how is he regarded among his peers ?
Don is kind of looked at as the curling guy - great at the other ice..... It's really not his sport, he's just way better doing football/curling etc.....

[walleye*guy]

Nobody adds as much excitement to the game as Buffalo Sabres Rick Jeanneret ......I love his calls
Who does he work for?

[coopaloop]

Who does he work for?


He works for...
All the action of Sabres’ hockey can be heard on WGR Sports Radio 550 AM. Calling the action will be the television tandem of Rick Jeanneret and Jim Lorentz. The Sabres will simulcast on radio each game televised on the MSG Network.

Hear his famous May-Day call....Brad May's OT winner
http://www.sabres.com/components/files/May_Day.mp3

[fishlips20]

Nobody adds as much excitement to the game as Buffalo Sabres Rick Jeanneret ......I love his calls

"it chrismas here is buffalo... tra la la la la la Lafontaine!"

[Sajjad]

Is this your dream job, (i assume) it involves a sport you like hockey, you get to meet some pretty remarkable people...

[walleye*guy]

Is this your dream job, (i assume) it involves a sport you like hockey, you get to meet some pretty remarkable people...
Absolutely the dream job - I spent 10 years getting it, got insanely lucky and it's taken me for a great ride.
Made friends with Howie Meeker - Golly Gee!! The Fishings Great!!!!
Rode the Oilers to 5 Stanleys, partied with Gretz, Mess and Sammy...
Learned in the first year that champagne in your eyes burns like h*ll and causes cameras to blow out...

[freethebees]

1. What do you mean 10 years getting it.. what job roles did you have prior to this one?

2. Technically speaking, is your job difficult to master?

3. Technically speaking, what schools/job training/field is yours considered a part of, and how can one get into it?

[walleye*guy]

1. What do you mean 10 years getting it.. what job roles did you have prior to this one?

2. Technically speaking, is your job difficult to master?

3. Technically speaking, what schools/job training/field is yours considered a part of, and how can one get into it?

Went to SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) for 2 years - worked at a small private for 7 years - did everything from presentation to program manager. Loved doing sports (curling show....yearly) so when I found out about the opening at CBC, I applied for and got a cameraman job. Three years here and I got a shot at hockey camera..... made it.
To do this job well, you need great eye/hand co-ordination, good picture composition skills, a very good understanding of the game and a good sense of timing. You have to follow direction - but also know when to ab-lib it.

The field is full of free-lancers now due to cuts at all the broadcasters - to get a job you'd need a couple of years at a technical-based school and break to find a hiring station. Expect to earn $15-$20/hour to start - if you're lucky. Good question as to what field this would be considered part of... I'd think Communications or the Media...

[skanji]

do complaints really get noticed at the CBC?
http://www.cbc.ca/contact/index.jsp

[walleye*guy]

do complaints really get noticed at the CBC?
http://www.cbc.ca/contact/index.jsp
Believe it or not yes.......
example (from March):
CBC SPORTS
HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA
Calls
37 Negative
X15 Vancouver at Colorado (Technical - Jan 28): What the hell happened to the end of the game?
-We want to see more Ottawa games.
-Been watching Don Cherry since 1970's. Used to like him, but can't stand to watch anymore. He just talks about himself, so irrelevant. Lots of real talents in CBC Sports that could do a much better job, but they don't get the chance to shine. Time for you to give Cherry up and put your money on new, fresher talent.
FEBRUARY 4 SIGNAL FAILURE
X18 What happened to the game? Why did you take (Ott/Buff) game off?
-We have had to deal with years of obvious Leafs bias, and now you are canceling a game between the top two teams in the Northeast division. Take a lesson from other networks, and show different games to different regions. I plan to write to my MP and encourage a slashing of funds to what is clearly not a national station.
-All week you advertised that Ottawa would be on Feb. 4th. On Friday you pre-empted this program. Why? We see plenty of Toronto games and very few Ottawa games. I would appreciate seeing more Ottawa games.

[pfdude]

I think all those Ottawa complaints came from skanji ;)

I would have complained but I watch all the games on the NHL Network.

[skanji]

Believe it or not yes.......
example (from March):
CBC SPORTS
HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA
Calls
37 Negative
X15 Vancouver at Colorado (Technical - Jan 28): What the hell happened to the end of the game?
-We want to see more Ottawa games.
-Been watching Don Cherry since 1970's. Used to like him, but can't stand to watch anymore. He just talks about himself, so irrelevant. Lots of real talents in CBC Sports that could do a much better job, but they don't get the chance to shine. Time for you to give Cherry up and put your money on new, fresher talent.
FEBRUARY 4 SIGNAL FAILURE
X18 What happened to the game? Why did you take (Ott/Buff) game off?
-We have had to deal with years of obvious Leafs bias, and now you are canceling a game between the top two teams in the Northeast division. Take a lesson from other networks, and show different games to different regions. I plan to write to my MP and encourage a slashing of funds to what is clearly not a national station.
-All week you advertised that Ottawa would be on Feb. 4th. On Friday you pre-empted this program. Why? We see plenty of Toronto games and very few Ottawa games. I would appreciate seeing more Ottawa games.


get ready - a shitstorm is coming...

[skanji]

I think all those Ottawa complaints came from skanji ;)

I would have complained but I watch all the games on the NHL Network.

i actually didn't mind cherry until tonight...he was big time out of line tonight...

mcleans trying to get cherry out of it by complementing havlat...

[skanji]

Believe it or not yes.......
example (from March):
CBC SPORTS
HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA
Calls
37 Negative
X15 Vancouver at Colorado (Technical - Jan 28): What the hell happened to the end of the game?
-We want to see more Ottawa games.
-Been watching Don Cherry since 1970's. Used to like him, but can't stand to watch anymore. He just talks about himself, so irrelevant. Lots of real talents in CBC Sports that could do a much better job, but they don't get the chance to shine. Time for you to give Cherry up and put your money on new, fresher talent.
FEBRUARY 4 SIGNAL FAILURE
X18 What happened to the game? Why did you take (Ott/Buff) game off?
-We have had to deal with years of obvious Leafs bias, and now you are canceling a game between the top two teams in the Northeast division. Take a lesson from other networks, and show different games to different regions. I plan to write to my MP and encourage a slashing of funds to what is clearly not a national station.
-All week you advertised that Ottawa would be on Feb. 4th. On Friday you pre-empted this program. Why? We see plenty of Toronto games and very few Ottawa games. I would appreciate seeing more Ottawa games.


where is this from? what about on-line comments?

[walleye*guy]

where is this from? what about on-line comments?

It's a compilation - on-line, phone threats.....etc

[skanji]

It's a compilation - on-line, phone threats.....etc

what im getting at is, is this information posted somewhere for people to see?

[Rometiklan]

Have you ever worked the camera at ice level in that box between the 2 penalty boxes? Oh man that must be a real rush sitting that close to the action and you're sandwiched between 2 muscle-heads in the sin-bins screaming at each other.

What are some of the other rinks you've worked, and can you compare some of these new "cookie cutter" arenas versus working in the old classics like The Forum, Maple Leaf Gardens, Boston Gardens, etc? Which of the old buildings was your favourite? I bet it was the old Chicago Stadium. Thanks for fielding all our questions. Intriguing thread about something that's engrained in Canadiana.

[gordholio]

About Peter Puck...

"Peter Puck became an overnight success after his television debut in 1974 on NBC and Hockey Night in Canada. His tips on hockey, his simple explanations of rules and regulations, and his impish delivery endeared him to millions of fans. Even the players took to his charm. Dave Gardner, while with the Montreal Canadiens, read a mythical letter to Peter aloud on a plane flight. "Dear Peter," read Gardner, "how can I score goals while sitting on the bench." A few days later, Gardner was traded to St. Louis.

Scotty Connal, then executive producer of NBC Sports said, "When we asked Hanna-Barbera to create a little character on ice who would explain hockey in a humourous, entertaining manner, we never dreamed he'd become the most popular segment of our intermissions.""

[walleye*guy]

what im getting at is, is this information posted somewhere for people to see?
It's condensed by subject/comment and then posted on the CBC Intranet. Nothing for public consumption....
just makes good reading on a break..

[walleye*guy]

Have you ever worked the camera at ice level in that box between the 2 penalty boxes? Oh man that must be a real rush sitting that close to the action and you're sandwiched between 2 muscle-heads in the sin-bins screaming at each other.

What are some of the other rinks you've worked, and can you compare some of these new "cookie cutter" arenas versus working in the old classics like The Forum, Maple Leaf Gardens, Boston Gardens, etc? Which of the old buildings was your favourite? I bet it was the old Chicago Stadium. Thanks for fielding all our questions. Intriguing thread about something that's engrained in Canadiana.
I mostly work Western Canada - I prefer working between the benches in Edmonton. There's alot more to shoot with injuries, spats & mind games... Between the boxes - you rarely get the two bone-heads mouthing off...
From a work standing, the newer the better. Worked the old Forum once, dark and unorganized place. Gardens were even darker and you could never tell if the cable you were plugging into would work. However as a fan - I could walk around in those places for days....
Never did see the Old Chicago - too bad..
Worst place? - Dallas Reunion Arena.....
Filthy, dark, hot and rats the size of small cats. I'm not kidding about the rats. The local techs would hang out by the loading docks (where the garbage was) and throw knives at the rats. Very, Very Scary....

[gamovafan]

since you're at the games all the time, you could recognize players' skills more than the viewer at home. Who were the fastest skaters you've seen? I've always felt that Russ Courtnall was that fastest skater I've seen on TV.

[skanji]

It's condensed by subject/comment and then posted on the CBC Intranet. Nothing for public consumption....
just makes good reading on a break..

ahh, i get it. Could you kindly post the comments received from last night's coaches corner? specifically about the Chara/Neil comments by Cherry...

[freethebees]

Thanks for the replies to my question :)

One more... have you ever seen couples making out in the crowds? Anything dirtier? Post your WORST stories (make em long!) and we'll enjoy the laughs :lol:

[walleye*guy]

since you're at the games all the time, you could recognize players' skills more than the viewer at home. Who were the fastest skaters you've seen? I've always felt that Russ Courtnall was that fastest skater I've seen on TV.

Fastest skaters--- in no particular order
Paul Coffey in his prime
Mike Gartner
Sergei Fedorov
Gary Roberts
Jagr

except for Roberts these guys were so big, they didn't look fast. But try and follow one with a lens - wow....

[walleye*guy]

Thanks for the replies to my question :)

One more... have you ever seen couples making out in the crowds? Anything dirtier? Post your WORST stories (make em long!) and we'll enjoy the laughs :lol:
Making out? All the time.....
post game I've run into a couple of couples who were getting down & dirty..... the players always saved it until they were gone....
Was propositioned once by a very happy and very drunk lady... tried to drop my pants while I was working.... :o
Did manage to shoot a couple of well-endowed girls who had scored front row seats at a playoff game directly opposite me. They were wearing very open weave tops and had left the bras at home. :eek: I guess they were trolling for players. They didn't realize that it was very cold on the front row though... The truck went absolutely apesh*t..... Came back for the second period with jackets on...

[poedua]

No sure if you have an ear to player opinions but....

........which rink(s) have the best / worse quality of ice in the NHL ? I heard MSG in NY wasn't the best....Edmonton the best ?

And on MSG...for example, if Leafs played there ( i.e playoff ) would HNIC camera crews do the game - own cameras and their own angles etc. - , or would the Canadian audience simply get a TV feed from the Americans' cameramen ?

[gretzky99]

Next up-and-comer? Well, Chris Cuthberth will be the next superstar. He's probably the best sportscaster in North America IMHO.

I agree about Cuthberth.

Why the heck would CBC let him go?? I think CBC fired him?

[walleye*guy]

No sure if you have an ear to player opinions but....

........which rink(s) have the best / worse quality of ice in the NHL ? I heard MSG in NY wasn't the best....Edmonton the best ?

And on MSG...for example, if Leafs played there ( i.e playoff ) would HNIC camera crews do the game - own cameras and their own angles etc. - , or would the Canadian audience simply get a TV feed from the Americans' cameramen ?
After the game the players/coaches/officials are asked to fill out a survey on ice quaility. They're pretty open about it. MSG ranks low along with basically any southern US arenas (frost problems) There really isn't much differnce in ice anymore - not like the old times ;) Reunion in Dallas was the worst by a mile.... I saw after a game where there were holes down to the concrete.
When we do split games (more than one broadcaster) the main cameras are shared between everyone (play, tight follow, bench camera - prime replay) Then they add others or decide who'll share other spots. Last game here CBC had 22 cameras (counting goal judges, wide shots, lipsticks, clocks) Fox had set up another 8. Total 30. I've seen finals with over 50 cameras in a building - absolutely nuts....

well gotta go - have to make a game happen in 8 hours...
pick it up tomorrow

[gretzky99]

I'm sure this has happened before during a game.
What happens when a puck breaks a TV camera lens. How long does it take to replace that camera? Will there be no camera footage in that area while the camera is being replaced/repaired? :confused:

[Spare-Flair]

Could the CBC manage any less of a boring production during intermissions and after the game?

I don't know about you guys, but watching American broadcasts, TSN, etc.and having great video recaps of other games, a panel of hockey analyst opinions, etc. and other features during intermission and post-game is just so much more entertaining than...

Scoreboard Saturday - a blue screen with mind-numbing elevator jazz music as the scores are printed in white text for 5 minutes...

Or Afterhours with CBC's already poor on-air personalities labour through sleep-inducing interviews with players instead of talking about the game.

MacLean and Hrudley are great, except they lack any fire in their discussions. I wish Cherry would stay on for all the intermission/pre/post segments just to hear something interesting even if he's just spewing garbage.

Oh and...when are the Oilers going to get a new arena so you guys aren't filming from the wrong side of the ice all the time :) Anywhere I can find pics of old HNIC broadcasts, old logos, old pictures of Ron & Don and the guys before them?

[GR8oNE]

Could the CBC manage any less of a boring production during intermissions and after the game?

I don't know about you guys, but watching American broadcasts, TSN, etc.and having great video recaps of other games, a panel of hockey analyst opinions, etc. and other features during intermission and post-game is just so much more entertaining than...

Scoreboard Saturday - a blue screen with mind-numbing elevator jazz music as the scores are printed in white text for 5 minutes...

Or Afterhours with CBC's already poor on-air personalities labour through sleep-inducing interviews with players instead of talking about the game.

MacLean and Hrudley are great, except they lack any fire in their discussions. I wish Cherry would stay on for all the intermission/pre/post segments just to hear something interesting even if he's just spewing garbage.

Oh and...when are the Oilers going to get a new arena so you guys aren't filming from the wrong side of the ice all the time :) Anywhere I can find pics of old HNIC broadcasts, old logos, old pictures of Ron & Don and the guys before them?

haha me and you definitely have different tastes... i don't mind the HNIC intermissions etc. as for TSN, there's something about Darren Pang that really bothers me... and you didn't mention it, but Sportsnet is the worst (during the reg season of course), i... cant... stand... KYPREOS!!! and Watters and Strakan for that matter

[Carpe Diem]

Why was Chris Cuthberth Fired/Let go?

He is the best play by play man out there!!

I'm glad he went to TSN.

[GR8oNE]

Why was Chris Cuthberth Fired/Let go?

He is the best play by play man out there!!

I'm glad he went to TSN.

good question... i agree...

[coopaloop]

Tell us about the equipment you use.

What would be the cost of one of those TV cameras.

Is the equipment you use state of the art.

Are you guys using HDTV equipment.

How many guys are working on TV cameras on an average night.

How many people working behind the scenes before, during, and after a game.

When you travel to an foreign arena (USA) does the CBC
get to choose where they set-up...

Is it just me or do the games on TV always look better from Canada...The areans up here seem brighter or have better lighting than down in some US arenas

Do you take the same equipment with you on the road then you use at your home base arena

How many tractor- trailer trucks do you use on a road show..crew and equipment..

Do you Fly or Bus out to a road game...I'm assuming you would bus from Edmonton to Calgary.....Would you fly to L.A or San Jose or take a Bus..

[walleye*guy]

I agree about Cuthberth.

Why the heck would CBC let him go?? I think CBC fired him?

oh ya - he was canned by the head of CBC Sports. He got into a disagreement with the "lovely lady" and was met by a "OFF WITH HIS HEAD"

he settled out-of-court in the 6-figures......

IMHO the head of CBC Sports should have fired on the spot. Or demoted to janitoral staff in Hamilton........

[walleye*guy]

I'm sure this has happened before during a game.
What happens when a puck breaks a TV camera lens. How long does it take to replace that camera? Will there be no camera footage in that area while the camera is being replaced/repaired? :confused:

Actually I've had 2 cameras hit flush in the lens by a puck - no damage to the big lens, just had to reach around and wipe the water off...
The handheld lens took it on the side and cracked the mounting ring. Was usuable and they got a new camera out during a commercial.
Cameras go down all the time - it's usally electronics because they are always built of the cutting edge of tech. Pretty iffy reliability up there. And after spending that dough, they run them hard and long. We always have a replacement ready by the truck(both hard & hand-held) - can swap out in 15 sec for a hand-held, 2 minutues for a hard, once it gets to the position.
Due to the number of cameras were used during a game, we just adjust our shooting assignments to cover the dead area. You would never notice one is down.

[walleye*guy]

Could the CBC manage any less of a boring production during intermissions and after the game?

I don't know about you guys, but watching American broadcasts, TSN, etc.and having great video recaps of other games, a panel of hockey analyst opinions, etc. and other features during intermission and post-game is just so much more entertaining than...

Scoreboard Saturday - a blue screen with mind-numbing elevator jazz music as the scores are printed in white text for 5 minutes...

Or Afterhours with CBC's already poor on-air personalities labour through sleep-inducing interviews with players instead of talking about the game.

MacLean and Hrudley are great, except they lack any fire in their discussions. I wish Cherry would stay on for all the intermission/pre/post segments just to hear something interesting even if he's just spewing garbage.

Oh and...when are the Oilers going to get a new arena so you guys aren't filming from the wrong side of the ice all the time :) Anywhere I can find pics of old HNIC broadcasts, old logos, old pictures of Ron & Don and the guys before them?

Different strokes.....
The poster below you likes this stuff.... Personally I never see it, I'm usually getting a drink of water, stretching legs or taking a leak...

If you've got $300 million you could help us out with the new rink... ;)

as for pics there's
http://archives.cbc.ca/IDT-1-41/sports/
or
http://www.cbcshop.ca/CBC/shopping/home.aspx?CatalogName=CBCBase&lang=en-CA

[walleye*guy]

Why was Chris Cuthberth Fired/Let go?

He is the best play by play man out there!!

I'm glad he went to TSN.

I guess he pi$$ed the Head of Sports off by suggesting the during the hockey strike they come up with some better programing than movies to fill the void.

She likes movies........

(I'm really glad he's at TSN - expect him to head South VERY quickly)

[walleye*guy]

Tell us about the equipment you use.

What would be the cost of one of those TV cameras.

Is the equipment you use state of the art.

Are you guys using HDTV equipment.

How many guys are working on TV cameras on an average night.

How many people working behind the scenes before, during, and after a game.

When you travel to an foreign arena (USA) does the CBC
get to choose where they set-up...

Is it just me or do the games on TV always look better from Canada...The areans up here seem brighter or have better lighting than down in some US arenas

Do you take the same equipment with you on the road then you use at your home base arena

How many tractor- trailer trucks do you use on a road show..crew and equipment..

Do you Fly or Bus out to a road game...I'm assuming you would bus from Edmonton to Calgary.....Would you fly to L.A or San Jose or take a Bus..

Ahhhhh
These days I operate a hard camera - usually Ikegami, Hitachi or Sony lensed with either a 55 or 70 to one zoom. I set up just about everything from announce booths to press conference areas - lighting, sound, cameras, monitors etc...

The cost of a camera is a little decieving - they run about $75k for a hard and about $45k for a hand-held. Add the lens from $10K for a standard 40-1 to $80k for the top 100-1 with image stabilizing. Add $2k for a tripod. Add $2K for a panning head.

I don't get the chance to use state of the art equipment often - last time was Torino for the Olympics.... the new stuff is just amazing!!!! Most of our gear is 4 - 10 years old.

We shoot in 16x9 but not HD - they up-convert to HD...really mickey-mouse. The problem is that an HD truck starts at $8 mill and takes 2 years to build. CBC has one, it's down east.

An average HNIC would see 10 cameramen running 16 cameras.... some are in studio, some are remotes (netcams, goalcams) some are simply unmanned (wideshot, video goal judges)

Crews run 35-40 people on any given night - 10 cameras, 3 audio, 6 videotape, 2 video ops (shaders), 10 production, 2 maintenance, switcher, talent, TVA's (TV Assists - runners) - on a single day set, the set-up crew usually starts 12 hours ahead of game-time. Usually 10 people to put it all together, production and talent arrive 8 hours before and the rest about 6 hours before.

We never get to choose where we set up, everything from where the trucks park to where the cameras go is controlled by the NHL and the home teams.

Actually the physically darkest arena in the league is Edmonton. It's old and they have never improved the lighting. It's dark inside. The general rule is the older the rink the less light you have to work with. I think that most of the problem is the video operators in the states shade the picture so the ice is 70% of max white. We feel that ice is white up here - we shade to 95%.

All the equipment we use travels independantly of where the teams are. CBC pools the mobile resources with TSN and all the other broadcasters so we've actually done games where FOX has a CBC truck and CBC has a TSN truck - it's all about who needs what, whats available to use and what costs what.

Usually a CBC "mobile" consists of the tractor/trailer and a support truck. The weight of the TV trailer is so high that you can't travel any gear on it. All the camera's, cables, reels, mats and loose stuff travels on a separate truck.

I actually don't travel that much anymore - it's way cheaper to hire a freelancer in the city you're headed to than travel a body. Only a few travel, the main audio guy, the switcher, the main tape guy and the technical producer. Back when we did travel - it was van to Calgary and anywhere in driving distance - and fly elsewhere.

[coopaloop]

CBC has one, it's down east..

Do you mean down East, as in the Maritimes....Why would they have a $8 million dollar hi-tech truck there..(What events would they cover)

thanks for taking the time to answer all my questions

[walleye*guy]

CBC has one, it's down east..

Do you mean down East, as in the Maritimes....Why would they have a $8 million dollar hi-tech truck there..(What events would they cover)

thanks for taking the time to answer all my questions

Well - I'm from Edmonton.....
so using the "centre of the universe" theory - anything east of Saskatchewan would be "down east".....:rolleyes:

The truck's in Toronto

[coopaloop]

We shoot in 16x9 but not HD - they up-convert to HD...really mickey-mouse.

Interesting!.....so it's not really broadcasted in HD then.

Can you tell us more how this is done...

Would TSN use this method as well..

[walleye*guy]

We shoot in 16x9 but not HD - they up-convert to HD...really mickey-mouse.

Interesting!.....so it's not really broadcasted in HD then.

Can you tell us more how this is done...

Would TSN use this method as well..

The western Canada games are done this way. They take the 525p signal and through a "black box" (actually a Lietch grey box) and out comes a 1080i. I have no idea how this puppy works as it also imbeds the audio signal. Your output is nothing near true 1080i but you can put it on the HD channel.
The eastern Canada games have a true 1080i truck.
The Detroit end of my series has a Montreal truck that also uses the "ba$tardized" 1080i boxes.
The Anahiem side of the Calgary series has true 1080i.....
as do the rest of the eastern US games.
There are way more US trucks than Canadian.... Counting TSN's truck - Canada has 2.
Most of the time TSN will rent a US truck to do HD games....

[sonick]

wow, this is the only "ask me anything about..." thread I've read.

Interesting stuff, walleye*guy!

[coopaloop]

Yes very interesting thread....this man knows his stuff :)

[Desibabu3k]

Is Greg Millian an ass in real life? Because he sure as hell is one on TV.

[StatQuo]

can u get me sum sticks? or broken sticks?

[Rometiklan]

Is there anything about any player or coach that you can divulge that the general public isn't aware of? Since you have more access to behind the scene stuff than most people, you are probably more aware of things that happen during games, behind the bench, in the locker room, in the control room, broadcasting room, etc. In front of the camera, players/coaches/general managers can be so politically correct that it gets pretty nauseating...everything they say is a cliche. It's the stuff they say and do when the camera isn't rolling is what I'm asking about.

[impronto]

greg millen to me is one of the worst color commentators in the world. He did local sens game for a time and I see him without the professional truck replays and stats that are fed and omg, he is sooo bad. he just points out stuff that a kid would know about hockey. why do CBC think he is good? whats your opinion about him?

[gordholio]

The guys at HNIC that are really good: Ron McLean and Kelly Hrudey. The rest range from simply good to terrible. But, even the worst announcer on CBC is better than anyone on US channels.
I was watching the game between New York and New Jersey on Saturday and the commentators must have talked though 3/4 of the play - just terrible - no wonder hockey isn't catching on more in the US.
Greg Millen seems like he's got a horseshoe up his a**.

[skanji]

Could you kindly post comments that the CBC received about Don Cherry and Bob Cole?

Thanks in advance!

[walleye*guy]

Is Greg Millian an ass in real life? Because he sure as hell is one on TV.

Greg has a "slightly" inflated view of himself.......

http://www.gregmillen.ca/

enough said....

[walleye*guy]

can u get me sum sticks? or broken sticks?

used to..... but now hockey sticks are worth big $$$$...

players/clubs sell them off - broken or not

[Carpe Diem]

Congrats on your Oilers!

[walleye*guy]

Is there anything about any player or coach that you can divulge that the general public isn't aware of? Since you have more access to behind the scene stuff than most people, you are probably more aware of things that happen during games, behind the bench, in the locker room, in the control room, broadcasting room, etc. In front of the camera, players/coaches/general managers can be so politically correct that it gets pretty nauseating...everything they say is a cliche. It's the stuff they say and do when the camera isn't rolling is what I'm asking about.

you want the "dirt" on players and coaches?

sorry - I can't do that.....

best I can give you is


The player you'd most want as a friend....

Georges Laraque
Nicest guy in hockey - bar none Gives time to anybody who needs it, a family guy and knows I like a double-double.

biggest knob in hockey

Mike Comrie

His ego has "inflate to 60 PSI" tatooed on it. Selfish, pompous little SOB. Refused autographs to kids in wheelchairs, only became a "nice guy" (visiting sick kids in hospitals) after he was told to by his agent before he was booted from Edmonton. BTW - he only visited the kids with the media present....

Of course - I deal with Oilers the most.....

[walleye*guy]

Could you kindly post comments that the CBC received about Don Cherry and Bob Cole?

Thanks in advance!

-Watching the broadcast with my son and there's Don Cherry talking about how someone should break Kovalchuk's arm. Then at the end of the broadcast, he says, "you kids out there should listen to me, I know what I'm talking about". It's the ultimate hypocrisy, and then I have to try and explain to my kid what Cherry really meant. His time has come and gone, I think CBC hockey needs some new blood.
-Mullen confuses names of players and doesn't know what he's talking about.
-Mullen doesn't know anything about the team or the sport. Very irritating commentator
-Having Cherry on your program devalues the product considerably. Get him off the air
-Bob Cole and Harry Neale should've adjusted their Toronto-centric commentary during game
X2 tired of the bias Hughson/Millen bring to any Vancouver game! I wish my remote had a "Greg Millen mute button".
-Bob Cole usually does not pick up the play very well missing key checks, shots, events, etc. Harry Neale is a tad better but not at the same quality he use to be. Please replace them
-Could Ron say happy birthday to my Grandmother?
-Cherry seems to have a vendetta against Sydney Crosby. He's rude, obnoxious and shouldn't be on TV.
-DON CHERRY is a disgrace to CBC and Canada.
X5 (FTS) Get rid of Don Cherry! His comments are too violent!
X5 smirks name. Get rid of him.
-I'm fed up of Don Cherry's racist remarks. Why do you keep on hiring him?

[Big D]

I wish my remote had a "Greg Millen mute button".


I need this button on my remote as well....When he does Ottawa games it makes me feel like he wants to have Martin Havlat's children.

[skanji]

-Watching the broadcast with my son and there's Don Cherry talking about how someone should break Kovalchuk's arm. Then at the end of the broadcast, he says, "you kids out there should listen to me, I know what I'm talking about". It's the ultimate hypocrisy, and then I have to try and explain to my kid what Cherry really meant. His time has come and gone, I think CBC hockey needs some new blood.
-Mullen confuses names of players and doesn't know what he's talking about.
-Mullen doesn't know anything about the team or the sport. Very irritating commentator
-Having Cherry on your program devalues the product considerably. Get him off the air
-Bob Cole and Harry Neale should've adjusted their Toronto-centric commentary during game
X2 tired of the bias Hughson/Millen bring to any Vancouver game! I wish my remote had a "Greg Millen mute button".
-Bob Cole usually does not pick up the play very well missing key checks, shots, events, etc. Harry Neale is a tad better but not at the same quality he use to be. Please replace them
-Could Ron say happy birthday to my Grandmother?
-Cherry seems to have a vendetta against Sydney Crosby. He's rude, obnoxious and shouldn't be on TV.
-DON CHERRY is a disgrace to CBC and Canada.
X5 (FTS) Get rid of Don Cherry! His comments are too violent!
X5 smirks name. Get rid of him.
-I'm fed up of Don Cherry's racist remarks. Why do you keep on hiring him?

priceless!!

but are you saying these are all the comments that were received? there had to have been more than this...

[impronto]

greg millen to me is one of the worst color commentators in the world. He did local sens game for a time and I see him without the professional truck replays and stats that are fed and omg, he is sooo bad. he just points out stuff that a kid would know about hockey. why do CBC think he is good? whats your opinion about him?

can u answer that? thx

[walleye*guy]

greg millen to me is one of the worst color commentators in the world. He did local sens game for a time and I see him without the professional truck replays and stats that are fed and omg, he is sooo bad. he just points out stuff that a kid would know about hockey. why do CBC think he is good? whats your opinion about him?
CBC subscribes to the "lowest common denominator" theory sometimes. They want him to state the obvious. He's good at that. My opinion?
Nice hair......

[walleye*guy]

priceless!!

but are you saying these are all the comments that were received? there had to have been more than this...
There are but CBC is a little slow in posting to our intranet. Your looking at ones from week of March 5/06..
I'll post more as they come along...

[alexle]

Very entertaining thread, a lot of things I didn't know about HNIC...

I'm sure there is a lot of complaints regarding the "HD" cutting off parts of the screen on regular TV's for the Calgary/Edmonton home games? Is that a hint for me to update my technology? :lol:

[findingnemoscar]

1. Have you ever met Wayne Gretzky? If so, what was he like?

2. Were you in Edmonton when they did that historic outdoor game where the Eskimos play? (Sorry if I have the wrong venue)

3. Are you allowed to root for the Oilers during the job?

4. Does HNIC have like an employees and family day? And if so, do larger than life guys like Cherry and Maclean attend those functions?

5. DOesn't some gal named Nancy Lee run CBC sports? Isn't she the gal who almost fired Cherry and almost refused to resign Maclean?

[walleye*guy]

Very entertaining thread, a lot of things I didn't know about HNIC...

I'm sure there is a lot of complaints regarding the "HD" cutting off parts of the screen on regular TV's for the Calgary/Edmonton home games? Is that a hint for me to update my technology? :lol:
Uh....no the problem lies with the "mickey mouse" approach CBC has taken in converting 16x9 into 4x3 and vice-versa. (it gets a little weird) All the cameras are shooting 16x9 in the field - viewfinders are set to this. It's upconverted to 1080i at the truck - as well as cut back into SD 4x3. The shooters have to mask their viewfinders off to 4x3 (I use electrical tape) - the problems come with the guys who don't mask (they can see the puck - you can't) and with a technical glitch that is moving the bloody cut back parameters around (hardware problem)

TRANSLATION - once we get the kinks out and the other shooters mask properly - everything should return to normal....... whatever "normal" is..

[walleye*guy]

1. Have you ever met Wayne Gretzky? If so, what was he like?

2. Were you in Edmonton when they did that historic outdoor game where the Eskimos play? (Sorry if I have the wrong venue)

3. Are you allowed to root for the Oilers during the job?

4. Does HNIC have like an employees and family day? And if so, do larger than life guys like Cherry and Maclean attend those functions?

5. DOesn't some gal named Nancy Lee run CBC sports? Isn't she the gal who almost fired Cherry and almost refused to resign Maclean?

Yes I've met Wayne many times - Wayne is a really nice guy, quiet spoken, smart, polite.... in the early years some of the other players (names withheld - but you should be able to guess) would try to get Wayne into the most embarassing position possible. There is one story of them getting a little too happy after winning a series and Wayne waking up chained to a bed between two "pro's". They didn't do anything to him - just for the "red face" factor....

The Heritage Classic @ Commonwealth Stadium. Yes I worked that one - coldest I've ever been as we had the "Heritage" game first and then the NHL Game. Outside for 9 hours straight, -28 with the wind, couldn't really move around too much and stuck up on top the scoreboard doing the high end-zone replays.... Nearest bathroom seemed like Red Deer.... Thank god for the guy who invented "hotshots". I went through 15 packs of them. The wierd thing was that after the game (we had to tear out) it actually got warmer. By 3 in the morning it was near zero and everyone was stripping off layers..

Yes I can root for the Oilers - but you're so focused on the game that during it you can't. I've walked out of many games having an idea who won - but not a clue what the score was.

No family day. Some of the guys, I wouldn't want to meet their families....

Yes Nancy Lee is still "she who must be obeyed". Just about bounced Cherry and McLean, did get rid of Cuthbert. No more about Nancy....

[trixR4kids]

did u meet wayne gretzky's wife? is she as bad as they say?

[findingnemoscar]

did u meet wayne gretzky's wife? is she as bad as they say?

What bad things are said of Janet Gretzky? I don't think I've ever heard a single bad word about her. If you're referring to her fondness for gambling as recently made public, I highly doubt that casts her as "bad" in any manner.

[walleye*guy]

did u meet wayne gretzky's wife? is she as bad as they say?
Never met Janet - saw her a bunch of times, but never talked to her.....

[Rometiklan]

What can you tell us about the refereeing fraternity? Do you ever get a chance to talk to the refs/linesmen? Most of these guys get abuse every game from players, coaches, fans, GMs, but they tend to stay out of the public eye which is strange since they work in front of 18,000 people every night. When they are on the ice, I guess they have to put up with a lot of crap. But what are they like off the ice? Who are the nice guys, and who are the jerkwads? If I know who the nice guys are, maybe next time I'm at a game, I won't be so harsh with my verbal abuse. HahA!

[iamdman]

Well - it's playoffs and the ask me's are the thing........
Yes - I operate a camera on HNIC
No - I can't get you tickets
No - I can't get you a job......

how do I go about getting one of those HNIC towels you see the players with during the intermissions?

[walleye*guy]

What can you tell us about the refereeing fraternity? Do you ever get a chance to talk to the refs/linesmen? Most of these guys get abuse every game from players, coaches, fans, GMs, but they tend to stay out of the public eye which is strange since they work in front of 18,000 people every night. When they are on the ice, I guess they have to put up with a lot of crap. But what are they like off the ice? Who are the nice guys, and who are the jerkwads? If I know who the nice guys are, maybe next time I'm at a game, I won't be so harsh with my verbal abuse. HahA!
Ref's & Linesmen don't mix with anyone......
they are a breed unto themselves.
Most of the ones I've worked with verge on the jerkwad - don't hold back on the abuse. For what they do, what they get paid and the perks they get - they can take some abuse.
(most have airmile totals you can only dream of - 500,000+ per season) heard some talking about how they'd burn them over the summer...
have at'er

[walleye*guy]

how do I go about getting one of those HNIC towels you see the players with during the intermissions?

those suckers are gold - they bring 3 to the rink per game. 1st period, 2nd period and post game interviewees get them and that's it. Even had coaches ask for them and had to tell them - "ask the exec producer - they're the only ones who can release them.....)
I'm surprised that the CBC shop:
http://www.cbcshop.ca
doesn't carry them - but they do have some cool stuff (yes, employees do get a discount)

[walleye*guy]

Video replay / goals that are reviewed.

When the a goal is questionable and the ref "goes upstairs "for video replay ............................


- is it someone in Toronto viewing footage of the " alleged " goal in question or someone at the rink or both ?

- we at home keep seeing the " goal " replayed 10 or 11 times from various angles, netcams etc on TV till the ref makes the final call ...does the NHL video judge use the same ( as we see ) or differerent cameras ( angles ) to judge goals ( than those images we see home ) ?

- if so, how many cameras are set up in rinks for goal judges / reviews and are there the same number of camers set up in the same places in each rink in the NHL - standardization ?

Some new info on this....
Before last nights game I was working on a problem with the Video Goal Judge's stuff and had to talk to another tech who's at the timers bench. I picked up the direct line (it rings the bench) - he picked up and then another voice picked up. It's a 3 WAY LINE TO TORONTO. So YES - the goal is decided on in TORONTO.

wow - i guess it is the "centre of the universe".......... ;)

[jonkaho]

does he?

[walleye*guy]

does he?
Does he appear on TV?
H E Double hockey sticks would freeze over before that would happen......

does he drop in and say Hi to everyone?
You betcha!!!!

Very very nice & cool guy..........

[othy]

Very interesting thread!

Question about the video quality, it seems to me that games from MSG on NBC HD look better than the "true" CBCHD (ie toronto games) somewhat. Is this due to better equipment in MSG, better lighting or something like that? The CBCHD picture seems very white-saturated (if that is a term) so you don't get any of the texture of the ice that you can see on the NBCHD broadcast.. Could be the lights in the ACC are a lot brighter, since I think both signals are 1080i.

Also, is it just me or are the cameras in Long Island about the worst in the league? Whenever I watch a game from there it looks all foggy.. What other arenas would you say are best/worst for camera/equipment quality?

[HangTen10]

Who decides the main cameras in Canadian rinks to be closer to ice at a lower angle? Networks? Team owners? Architects? I much prefer what we get over the US teams. Some American arenas are a joke when it comes to this.

I see some photographers have peepholes in the corners. Is there a flap that opens when in use or is it open all the time? A puck ever go through there?

[walleye*guy]

Very interesting thread!

Question about the video quality, it seems to me that games from MSG on NBC HD look better than the "true" CBCHD (ie toronto games) somewhat. Is this due to better equipment in MSG, better lighting or something like that? The CBCHD picture seems very white-saturated (if that is a term) so you don't get any of the texture of the ice that you can see on the NBCHD broadcast.. Could be the lights in the ACC are a lot brighter, since I think both signals are 1080i.

Also, is it just me or are the cameras in Long Island about the worst in the league? Whenever I watch a game from there it looks all foggy.. What other arenas would you say are best/worst for camera/equipment quality?

Technically the video product from both arenas should be identical. The funny thing is that we here alot about how "over exposed" the pictures look like from ACC. The wierd thing is that it's not that bad going out of the truck. My bet is that you're watching it on a cable feed or.... if I was a real betting man I'd lay odds you're on Bell Expressview. If the cable company has not set up their signal distribution system up properly - the first thing you see is either an "over exposed" or and "under exposed" picture coming out. It's not a case of garbage in-garbage out.... they can garbage it up pretty good themselves.
Now about Bell.....
They own Sportsnet/TSN and CTV....
they don't give a rats a$$ about the picture quality of a CBC signal. If fact we think (after fielding hundreds of complaints) that they bugger it up on purpose. Can't prove it - but there's a lot more problems with Bell...

Most of the time it's a TV truck that pulls into an arena and sets up - very few place have their own gear (scoreboard stuff excluded). So every game you see from a place is probably done by a different truck every time. Hardly ever will one truck stay over 3-4 days to do two games in a row. That said - most of the trucks in New York State are cr@p. It's really hard to find a good rental there.......

[walleye*guy]

Who decides the main cameras in Canadian rinks to be closer to ice at a lower angle? Networks? Team owners? Architects? I much prefer what we get over the US teams. Some American arenas are a joke when it comes to this.

I see some photographers have peepholes in the corners. Is there a flap that opens when in use or is it open all the time? A puck ever go through there?

The NHL should really have control over this - the NBA, MLB and NFL have tight control over camera angles, camera placement, booth placement and lighting requirements. The NHL doesn't care - and it shows.....
Currently team owners or venue designers work with the TV people to come to a compromise over where the cameras go etc.... Of course the best place for the cameras happens to be where the best seats in the house are - and the owners don't like losing those 20 - 30 seats. (It's not just the physical seats you lose - all the seats around the cameras become "obstructed view")
As an aside - the best angle to have the cameras for play by play and tight follow are 12 degrees above the ice.

The openings in the glass are for photogs and they are opened when they're shooting. I've only seen a funny bounce off the opening once and I've never seen a film guys gear take a puck. But then the seasons still going.....

[othy]

Technically the video product from both arenas should be identical. The funny thing is that we here alot about how "over exposed" the pictures look like from ACC. The wierd thing is that it's not that bad going out of the truck. My bet is that you're watching it on a cable feed or.... if I was a real betting man I'd lay odds you're on Bell Expressview. If the cable company has not set up their signal distribution system up properly - the first thing you see is either an "over exposed" or and "under exposed" picture coming out. It's not a case of garbage in-garbage out.... they can garbage it up pretty good themselves.

Not Bell, but Shaw HD.. I wouldn't be suprised at all if it is something to do with them, their digital channels look horrible. I work at a company building broadcast video encoders so it ticks me off when we bust our butts getting great quality at a specified bitrate, and the cablecos just dial it wayyyyy down anyway. Oh well, gotta get the quality up even more with lower bitrates!

Have you seen any trials of next-gen video encoder stuff like H.264? Do the trucks have the video encoder to mpeg-2 in it currently or does that happen back at CBC HQ or something like that?

Thanks!

[walleye*guy]

Not Bell, but Shaw HD.. I wouldn't be suprised at all if it is something to do with them, their digital channels look horrible. I work at a company building broadcast video encoders so it ticks me off when we bust our butts getting great quality at a specified bitrate, and the cablecos just dial it wayyyyy down anyway. Oh well, gotta get the quality up even more with lower bitrates!

Have you seen any trials of next-gen video encoder stuff like H.264? Do the trucks have the video encoder to mpeg-2 in it currently or does that happen back at CBC HQ or something like that?

Thanks!
The signal from the truck is indeed mpeg-2.... usually sent out on an SDI line...
Sorry -I haven't seen any trials of encoders... but they have to get better!

[JS2K6]

Thanks for the thread, very cool stuff. Do you still cover anything else besides HNIC (e.g. in the offseason)?

[skategoat]

I heard in the old days, the US rinks had to hire Canadians as cameramen because the Americans couldn't follow the puck. True? Still true?

Peter Puck - even as a kid I found him annoying. Glad they nuked him.

Ever meet Dick Beddoes? - now he was a character.

[bokchoy]

I see some photographers have peepholes in the corners. Is there a flap that opens when in use or is it open all the time? A puck ever go through there?

Happened tonight during the Carolina/New Jersey game. it disappeared into the hole after a Devils player shot it off the boards :lol:

[Big D]

......

I see some photographers have peepholes in the corners. Is there a flap that opens when in use or is it open all the time? A puck ever go through there?

I was at a Sens game and I saw Chris Neils stick go right through one of those holes. It missed the photographer who was behind there (luckily for him). After the whistle Neil came back and the photographer passed it back through. What are the odds of that?

[walleye*guy]

Thanks for the thread, very cool stuff. Do you still cover anything else besides HNIC (e.g. in the offseason)?
Not usually.... I was bumped off CFL about 12 years ago, don't miss outdoor sports (OK I'm a wuss - I like room temperature)
I do special events sometimes (Olympics, Skiing & Track....)

[walleye*guy]

I heard in the old days, the US rinks had to hire Canadians as cameramen because the Americans couldn't follow the puck. True? Still true?

Peter Puck - even as a kid I found him annoying. Glad they nuked him.

Ever meet Dick Beddoes? - now he was a character.

Yes that was true - in the 80's the Amercians just couldn't understand the game and the flow.... But a lot of Canuck Shothogs have moved down there and taught people well. Hardly ever is a Canadian behind an American camera these days...

I never met Dick - would love to sit down with him for a few brews tho....

[walleye*guy]

Happened tonight during the Carolina/New Jersey game. it disappeared into the hole after a Devils player shot it off the boards :lol:


I was at a Sens game and I saw Chris Neils stick go right through one of those holes. It missed the photographer who was behind there (luckily for him). After the whistle Neil came back and the photographer passed it back through. What are the odds of that?

I'd think the odds would be fairly long of that happening again. If I was the photog - I'd be buying lotto tickets..... (BTW - it's bad form to keep the stick, unless you get hurt..)

[alexle]

So CBC introduced their broadcast schedule for Round 4: http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hnic/tvschedule.html

Any reason why the games in Anaheim are displayed in HD while the games in Edmonton are not?

[walleye*guy]

So CBC introduced their broadcast schedule for Round 4: http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hnic/tvschedule.html

Any reason why the games in Anaheim are displayed in HD while the games in Edmonton are not?
The CBC HD truck is on it's way to Anahiem as we speak.... The same truck is staying in Edmonton that's been here from the start, they feel that the "fake" HD is good enough because they can't find another HD truck. So it'll be shot in 16x9 Standard def and upconverted to HD. At this point it's a matter of baseball going full bore and basketball playoffs. You can't rent a truck anywhere close......

[Neil]

The CBC HD truck is on it's way to Anahiem as we speak.... The same truck is staying in Edmonton that's been here from the start, they feel that the "fake" HD is good enough because they can't find another HD truck. So it'll be shot in 16x9 Standard def and upconverted to HD. At this point it's a matter of baseball going full bore and basketball playoffs. You can't rent a truck anywhere close......

If you can talk to anyone in CBC management, tell them that if they do that it will be yet another mockery of their HD channel license.

If the single truck is really that big an issue, it could be driven between sites. Using the low-def truck in Edmonton is an insult to CBC's audience. The cost of transport would be less than just one overpaid bureaucrat in head office makes in a month.

Find whoever decided to shaft the west with this year's coverage, give that bureaucrat an unpaid leave for the summer, and reward the taxpayers and viewers with proper coverage for once.

Uh I guess the question is... 'can you talk to anyone in CBC management about this?'

[jonkaho]

is Elliote Freedman a nice guy?
have u been to any Ted Nolan NHL coached games?

[roger1818]

First of all I want to thank walleye*guy for createing this thread and taking time to answer all of our questions. It is all very interesting.


If the single truck is really that big an issue, it could be driven between sites.

I posted the following in a different forum (CBC HD (Official thread) (http://www.digitalhomecanada.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21396&page=55)):


According to Mapquest it takes 25 1/2 hours to drive from Anaheim to Edmonton. When you add on bathroom and meal breaks, the time spent waiting at the boarder to get through customs and the time it takes to pack up the equipment and to set it up again the schedule would be really tight.

I don't think most people realize how far appart cities are in the west and how close together they are in the east. Almost half the teams in the NHL are within a 10 hour drive of Toronto (where the HDTV truck is based).

My question is, how long before a game does the truck need to arrive so that you have time to get everything setup? Also, how long does it take to pack everything up again after a game?

[walleye*guy]

If you can talk to anyone in CBC management, tell them that if they do that it will be yet another mockery of their HD channel license.

If the single truck is really that big an issue, it could be driven between sites. Using the low-def truck in Edmonton is an insult to CBC's audience. The cost of transport would be less than just one overpaid bureaucrat in head office makes in a month.

Find whoever decided to shaft the west with this year's coverage, give that bureaucrat an unpaid leave for the summer, and reward the taxpayers and viewers with proper coverage for once.

Uh I guess the question is... 'can you talk to anyone in CBC management about this?'
Can I talk to anyone from managment?
Yes --
Will they listen/give a rats a$$?
No.......
It's all about $$$$$ - we can't afford to build another one, we can't afford to long distance rent one and we sure can't drive a truck overnight from Southern California to Edmonton.
We're $crewed......

[walleye*guy]

is Elliote Freedman a nice guy?
have u been to any Ted Nolan NHL coached games?
Elliot is a little wierd......
nice guy - but sometimes it seems like he's on a different planet than the rest of us.... It's hard to describe.....
he's just a little different than the rest of the poodles...
I've never been to a Ted Nolan coached game - would really like to
actually I'd love Ted to be given the job as coach of the Oilers. It was rumoured to be in the works if the Oil bombed like usual.
Lucky for the Oilers this year
not so lucky for Ted....

[walleye*guy]

My question is, how long before a game does the truck need to arrive so that you have time to get everything setup? Also, how long does it take to pack everything up again after a game?

Truck has to be in position 12 hours ahead of game on a single day set. In winter that moves to 14 because you have to let it warm up before turning gear on....
All truck equipment has to be set-up, tested and working 6 hours before game - because that's when the production crew gets in.
The camera's have to be functioning 4 hours before - to allow pre-game interviews, team arrival pics, etc.. But we always have to have a hand held ready to go ASAP to cover morning skates and whatever else might shake out of the tree........
Remember the set crew is minimal - ours is 6 guys..

A complete tear (because you have a bigger crew and you just are packing it up) takes way less time - usually you're done 2 hours after the off-air time.

[jonkaho]

did u get to meet the hottie Martine Gillard when she did some HNIC games a few years ago?

is Scott Oake a friendly guy?

have u met Terry Libel and Brian "Alright" Williams? (if u didn't know "alright" is from the Brian Willams impression from Air Farce show)

[Neil]

Truck has to be in position 12 hours ahead of game on a single day set. In winter that moves to 14 because you have to let it warm up before turning gear on....
All truck equipment has to be set-up, tested and working 6 hours before game - because that's when the production crew gets in.
The camera's have to be functioning 4 hours before - to allow pre-game interviews, team arrival pics, etc.. But we always have to have a hand held ready to go ASAP to cover morning skates and whatever else might shake out of the tree........
Remember the set crew is minimal - ours is 6 guys..

A complete tear (because you have a bigger crew and you just are packing it up) takes way less time - usually you're done 2 hours after the off-air time.

So the numbers work then.

48 hours between sites:
24 hours travel time
12 hours setup
==============
36 hours

Leaves 12 hours for safety margin, traffic, weather, contingenies, etc.

If the willingness were there, this should have been imminently doable.

The maximum trips to cover a 7 game series is 4.

Incremental costs for each trip:

Main truck
2000 kms @ 5 miles per gallon fuel = 1140 L = $1140 fuel
24 hrs x $40/hr driver x 2 drivers = $1920 drivers

Support truck
2000 kms @ 7 miles per gallon fuel = 1140 L = $814 fuel
24 hrs x $30/hr driver x 2 drivers = $1440

Local setup
6 people x 6 hours x $50/hour = $1800

Local teardown
6 people x 2 hours x $50/hour = $600

Round-up for un-accounted for costs: 120%

Total incremental costs for CBC-HD to do HD coverage: $9,256 per trip

Incremental number of trips:
1 --> if series ends in 4 games
2 --> if series ends in 5 games
3 --> if series ends in 6 games
4 --> if series ends in 7 games

So cheating the broadcast with low def coverage in Edmonton is a cost avoidance of between $9k to $36k for CBC - rather small in the overall budgetary scheme. To put it in perspective, their annual budget could cover 108,038 Edmonton HD game trips.

Maybe I messed up some numbers or something, but on the face of it this seems like such tiny cost increment that money can't be real reason. I think it's just a lack of will, effort or problem solving.

[othy]

Maybe I messed up some numbers or something, but on the face of it this seems like such tiny cost increment that money can't be real reason. I think it's just a lack of will, effort or problem solving.

I think you're over-thinking things.. Most likely the reason is just there isn't *that* much demand for HD content yet.. What's the % in canada of homes with HDTVs? Can't be that high yet.. They have enough HD content to satisfy CRTC requirements, but that is that.

I wish it was all HD content too, but I see why it isn't a big issue for them yet..

Next couple years should be really interesting with the next-gen video codecs coming out, prices coming down for encoders etc.. Then there will be no reason for them to not have a bunch of trucks!

[Neil]

I think you're over-thinking things.. Most likely the reason is just there isn't *that* much demand for HD content yet.. What's the % in canada of homes with HDTVs? Can't be that high yet.. They have enough HD content to satisfy CRTC requirements, but that is that.


Demand is high enough for CBC to have gone through extensive hoops to apply for and be granted an HD channel license. The fact they are using it to broadcast 98.5% low def is the problem that people need to be made aware about. Are you sure that is truly meeting the CRTC requirements?

[roger1818]

So the numbers work then.

48 hours between sites:
24 hours travel time
12 hours setup
==============
36 hours

Leaves 12 hours for safety margin, traffic, weather, contingenies, etc.


You have overlooked a few things here:

It is 48 hours between Start Times (They need the truck there during the broadcast)
2 hour tear down time
1 hour time difference (helps when driving to Edmonton but hurts when driving back)
According to Mapquest it is 25 1/2 hours driving time (not including stops and time at the boarder)

So lets do this again:

48 hours between Start Times:

3 hour broadcast
2 hours tear down
25.5 hours travel time
2 hours meal and bathroom breaks
0.5 hour at customs (probably an under estimate for a truck)
12 hours setup
1 hour time chanage (Edmonton to Anaheim)
----
46 hours total


That is only a 2 hour safety margin and considering that is for the drive back Anaheim there is no backup truck they can use in case of an emergency ("Sorry folks but we can't cover game 7 because the truck didn't arrive on time").

The good news is that CBC is in the process of building a 2nd HD truck. I am not sure when it will be finished though (apperently they take about 2 years to build).

(sorry there isn't a question in this post walleye*guy, but I wanted to clear this up)

[walleye*guy]

did u get to meet the hottie Martine Gillard when she did some HNIC games a few years ago?

is Scott Oake a friendly guy?

have u met Terry Libel and Brian "Alright" Williams? (if u didn't know "alright" is from the Brian Willams impression from Air Farce show)
Sorry - never met Martine......from what I saw she looked like a very accomplished sportscaster.
Scott is a really nice guy - even tho he's from Winnipeg (running joke we have...)
Brian (it's 7 am in Toronto) - he keeps to himself - all business....

[Byrns]

When will Bob Cole finally retire? After one Anaheim game with him calling it I really miss Jim Hughson.

[alexle]

After one Anaheim game with him calling it I really miss Jim Hughson.

Hughson and Millen will probably call a portion of Sabres/Canes games.

[700mb80min]

Don Cherry chit on Cape Bretoners on an episode of Hockey Night In Canada and said " oh , those people are so stupid they can`t .....whatever .... " missed the whole sentance . but who gives this arse hole the right to say such without knowing the people , place , or living we have .

I googled but could`nt find the whole episode , but when i do he will here from me and i will ask him to explain himself considering about 1/5 of Cape Bretoners who made it to the juniors are indeed playing in the NHL ! Compared to Ontario where this idiot is from , the odds are 1/10 !

I used to listen to the ravings and tried to pick some sense from this jerk , but have lately simply ignored him ....he`s an ass.

[walleye*guy]

Hughson and Millen will probably call a portion of Sabres/Canes games.
very doubtful - with Edmonton being the remaining Canadian team, Cole and Neale are duty bound to call this series.....
Hughson and Millen will work the Buffalo series...
Sometimes life $uck$.......
(as much as I dislike Millen - it means we work with Jimmy...... working with Cole is a pain..... a very high maintenance poodle....)

[walleye*guy]

When will Bob Cole finally retire? After one Anaheim game with him calling it I really miss Jim Hughson.
He's there until Toronto wins the cup........
ya gotta wonder how long he can live..........

[walleye*guy]

Don Cherry chit on Cape Bretoners on an episode of Hockey Night In Canada and said " oh , those people are so stupid they can`t .....whatever .... " missed the whole sentance . but who gives this arse hole the right to say such without knowing the people , place , or living we have .

I googled but could`nt find the whole episode , but when i do he will here from me and i will ask him to explain himself considering about 1/5 of Cape Bretoners who made it to the juniors are indeed playing in the NHL ! Compared to Ontario where this idiot is from , the odds are 1/10 !

I used to listen to the ravings and tried to pick some sense from this jerk , but have lately simply ignored him ....he`s an ass.
congrats - you've just learned what everyone who's worked with him knows....
lucky me - he's now on the road with Ron (who's the best by-the-way) and I get him Tuesday and Thursday minimum.... Better stock up on BS repellant...

[MrWizard]

I absolutely despise Hughson and Millen. Those two make me MISS Bob Cole and Harry Neale.

Hughson rants about the most pointless things and makes me feel like I'm playing NHL 06, and I just hate Millen.

[walleye*guy]

I absolutely despise Hughson and Millen. Those two make me MISS Bob Cole and Harry Neale.

Hughson rants about the most pointless things and makes me feel like I'm playing NHL 06, and I just hate Millen.

wow - i guess there's NO way in - h e double hockey sticks - I'm ever going to buy NHL 06....... I can't ever imagine missing Cole & Neale.

[Rometiklan]

How does HNIC pick the between-period player interviews? Do they just pick whomever had a good period, or do they know well in advance who the player is? Lots of time, they just seem to grab whomever is walking by...he's drenched in sweat and sucking wind like a Hoover.

[MrWizard]

wow - i guess there's NO way in - h e double hockey sticks - I'm ever going to buy NHL 06....... I can't ever imagine missing Cole & Neale.

They aren't the brightest guys but they give this sense of tradition. HNIC just won't be the same without them.

[jonkaho]

Gord Miller and Pierre Mc Gwire from Tsn are starting to be pretty good NHL commentators.

[MrWizard]

Gord Miller and Pierre Mc Gwire from Tsn are starting to be pretty good NHL commentators.

Pierre McGuire is another guy I absolutely despise. He is abnoxious, and often contributes absolutely nothing. During the World Juniors, I hated watching the games because he kept saying "SCORES!" even when it rang off the post or something.

I can tolerate Gord Miller for the most part, but I hate Pierre McGuire with a passion.

[roger1818]

What is up with these "artistic" shots in the corner away from the play? Frequently CBC will show a scrum in the corner after a breakout pass. I don't know about others, but would rather watch the play. Save those other shots for replays later.

At least CBC seems to have stopped doing interviews in the stands during the play. I remember once a goal was scored during one of those interviews and they kept on talking about how some guy's golf score was getting better or some such nonsense. The play-by-play announcers couldn't talk about the goal until 5 minutes after the fact. In my opinion, keep the interviews for the intermissions.

Also, why do you stop showing the clock and score in the corner after the whistle blows? Often it is during that pause that I want to check out how much time is left on the power play or something like that. It wouldn’t be so bad if you were showing out-of town scores during that time, but it seems like you wait until after just after the puck drops to show those, making me wait even longer.

[aw3s0me]

Gord Miller and Pierre Mc Gwire from Tsn are starting to be pretty good NHL commentators.

yeah pierre used to be really loud and bad .. but hes gotten better lately.

[walleye*guy]

How does HNIC pick the between-period player interviews? Do they just pick whomever had a good period, or do they know well in advance who the player is? Lots of time, they just seem to grab whomever is walking by...he's drenched in sweat and sucking wind like a Hoover.
The producer will make the call with about a minute left in the period who he wants for the interview. They're usually having a good period, are playing their first game, have scored their first goal or are even playing poorly. But the announcer knows who to grab. It's usually visitor interview in the 1st intermission and home interview in the second.

BTW the reason they almost always agree to the interview is that the player gets to keep the towel.....they really want the towels

[walleye*guy]

What is up with these "artistic" shots in the corner away from the play? Frequently CBC will show a scrum in the corner after a breakout pass. I don't know about others, but would rather watch the play. Save those other shots for replays later.

At least CBC seems to have stopped doing interviews in the stands during the play. I remember once a goal was scored during one of those interviews and they kept on talking about how some guy's golf score was getting better or some such nonsense. The play-by-play announcers couldn't talk about the goal until 5 minutes after the fact. In my opinion, keep the interviews for the intermissions.

Also, why do you stop showing the clock and score in the corner after the whistle blows? Often it is during that pause that I want to check out how much time is left on the power play or something like that. It wouldn’t be so bad if you were showing out-of town scores during that time, but it seems like you wait until after just after the puck drops to show those, making me wait even longer.
Usually the scrum in the corner means the puck's there somewhere..... unless the director likes the crunch of bodies and has lost the puck. It happens.
The in-game interviews are the producers call - usually they $uck (IMHO) I aggree 100% about waiting for the intermission, if it's that important - it will keep.

The clock & score (the Bug) is only put on during play for a couple of reasons - sometimes they don't know where they're going in the pause and it looks really dumb over a replay. They also have to reset the bug manually if for some reason it doesn't jive with the scoreclock. Usually we have a direct data stream from the scoreboard - but in the states it's extremely unreliable.

[roger1818]

Thanks walleye*guy. It is nice knowing an insider. I can see why "the bug" would look dumb over a replay, it is just too bad you can't set it up to only turn off when playing replays (and posably after a goal).

BTW. Which camera were you on last night?

[walleye*guy]

Thanks walleye*guy. It is nice knowing an insider. I can see why "the bug" would look dumb over a replay, it is just too bad you can't set it up to only turn off when playing replays (and posably after a goal).

BTW. Which camera were you on last night?
High centre - known as the telestrator angle.
You do your best work and then they write all over it........ ;)

[othy]

High centre - known as the telestrator angle.
You do your best work and then they write all over it........ ;)

I heard somewhere Hrudey really practices alot on the telestrator, is that true? He seems so keen, it's pretty cool.

Also I wanted to ask about what mics are used to create the 5.1 mix. Are there a few mics around the crowd to get the rear surrounds? It's great, catching snippets of conversations and the general spectator noise. Almost like being there! Guess that's the point ;)

[walleye*guy]

I heard somewhere Hrudey really practices alot on the telestrator, is that true? He seems so keen, it's pretty cool.

Also I wanted to ask about what mics are used to create the 5.1 mix. Are there a few mics around the crowd to get the rear surrounds? It's great, catching snippets of conversations and the general spectator noise. Almost like being there! Guess that's the point ;)
He does most of his practising for "Behind The Mask" - he tries to stuff as much stuff as possible into his 3 minutes and if he $crews up a telestrator move he gets pissed at himself. So he practises a couple of times before he does it - he also has a pretty large palate of effects to choose from. Alot? I dunno - if he played for 10-15 minutes that would be alot....
5.1 miking is an audio guys nightmare - usually they string out 20 - 25 mikes for ambience, effects, bg, etc for a sterio show. That's not including the talents mikes or cue lines. For 5.1 you're now looking at 60 - 75.....then you have to group them so the sound follows the pictures. You don't want the sound from the hallways over an interview..... Don't know how they handle it - but they drink a lot of coffee and are pretty wired after the show..

[gorf]

What does Joey Moss do with the Oilers? I think its great how the organization embraced him from years back, but does he have specific tasks assigned?

[walleye*guy]

What does Joey Moss do with the Oilers? I think its great how the organization embraced him from years back, but does he have specific tasks assigned?
Joey is the "Locker Room Attendant" - he's the brother of Vicki Moss, who once dated (used-it was really ugly) Wayne Gretzky. Wayne & Joey became really good friends and Wayne talked Slats (Sather) into giving him a job. He cleans the room, collects and does the laundry, looks after the guys when their getting physio or in the training room (drinks, towels & such). Joey is a great guy - wicked sense of humour...... you think he's being Joey and then find out he's pulling your leg. He came up to me with his pre-game meal, pretended to stumble, just about covered me with food......and then said "Pretty slow for a cameraman......."

[jonkaho]

since you work for CBC, have u met any of the Air Face guys?

have met Dave Hodge when he used to work for HNIC?

[Tofu Drift Shinji]

Awesome read! Thanks Walleye*Guy!

How close have you ever gotten to the Cup during the Oiler Dynasty? In your experience, most excitable (best/noisiest, however you want to put it) fans in the league?

[gorf]

Joey is the "Locker Room Attendant" - he's the brother of Vicki Moss, who once dated (used-it was really ugly) Wayne Gretzky. Wayne & Joey became really good friends and Wayne talked Slats (Sather) into giving him a job. He cleans the room, collects and does the laundry, looks after the guys when their getting physio or in the training room (drinks, towels & such). Joey is a great guy - wicked sense of humour...... you think he's being Joey and then find out he's pulling your leg. He came up to me with his pre-game meal, pretended to stumble, just about covered me with food......and then said "Pretty slow for a cameraman......."

I can remember hearing that Vicki used Wayne to further her career but I wasn't sure if there was any truth to it. Anyways, he did alot better with Janet, she seems to fit into the family mode pretty well with all their offspring. ;)

I noticed that Joey is usually at every game that I watch so I figured they kept him on. What a great person for the job, I think it's awesome that the Oilers kept him on after Wayne/Slats left. Sounds like a real jokester too, a fun guy to have around. :D

Thanks, great thread.

[walleye*guy]

since you work for CBC, have u met any of the Air Face guys?

have met Dave Hodge when he used to work for HNIC?
I actually was in the studio when Dave "threw the pencil"....
we were in Calgary with Toronto playing and CBC decided not to go to a Montreal game that was in overtime after the Flames game was over - they cut to the news......
I can't remember what Dave said - but he was gone by Tuesday.....

Never met any of the Farce gang - have gone to a few of their tapings..

[walleye*guy]

Awesome read! Thanks Walleye*Guy!

How close have you ever gotten to the Cup during the Oiler Dynasty? In your experience, most excitable (best/noisiest, however you want to put it) fans in the league?

How close? - touched it, fondled it, read every name on it......
never held it - that's an honour that's earned. Nobody holds it unless you work for the NHL (the handler guy), are invited to by someone who's earned the right - or have won the cup.

Best fans in the league varies - used to be Vancouver, then Oilers, then Flames...... you know it's all in who's got a great team put together. For excitable - I'd go with Chicago, I've seen police get into fights with fans - crazy people there..... For sheer volume - has to be the Oilers this year. It's really hard to describe, the waves of sound physically pound you - to hear the intercom/program sound I've adapted a set of Shure e2c's to plug into the camera system and then I wear the dual muff headsets over those. Now I can hear.

BTW I figured that out thanks to RFDers!!!!!

[gordholio]

How close? - touched it, fondled it, read every name on it......
never held it - that's an honour that's earned. Nobody holds it unless you work for the NHL (the handler guy), are invited to by someone who's earned the right - or have won the cup.

Best fans in the league varies - used to be Vancouver, then Oilers, then Flames...... you know it's all in who's got a great team put together. For excitable - I'd go with Chicago, I've seen police get into fights with fans - crazy people there..... For sheer volume - has to be the Oilers this year. It's really hard to describe, the waves of sound physically pound you - to hear the intercom/program sound I've adapted a set of Shure e2c's to plug into the camera system and then I wear the dual muff headsets over those. Now I can hear.

BTW I figured that out thanks to RFDers!!!!!

The best fans come from Western Canada? C'mon, there are no best fans.

[walleye*guy]

The best fans come from Western Canada? C'mon, there are no best fans.
By best fans I meant they usually are the ones that have a great team going that can really excite them - i.e. The Moncton Wildcats or Red Deer Rebels have really great fans. They are knowledgable and active as well as civilized. If the fans know that a team needs a lift - they can supply it. Example: Game 7 Anaheim/Calgary this year.....Anaheim is up by 2 goals, Calgary fans sit on their hands - the place is a morgue.
Example: Game 4 Anaheim/Edmonton this year..Anaheim is up by 2 goals, the Edmonton fans "sense" something will happen and start spontanious cheering - result under a minute later Edmonton goal - more energy into the cheering - another goal....
I've seen this played out in various arenas at various times, from (literally) St. John's to Victoria. Indeed there are no "Best Fans" - it's a relationship with the team where they trade energy back and forth.
As for crazy fans, loud fans, stupid fans or dead fans - that's easy to quantify. (BTW the dead live in Washington - a great breakaway shorthanded hometeam goal results in a light smattering of appause....YIKES)

[roger1818]

Did CBC drive their truck to Edmonton and rent one in Carolina or are they using their truck in Carolina? Are they renting the Dome Productions truck?

[Kerlo]

I'm hearing rumors that CBC may lose the NHL Hockey Broadcasting to Bell GlobeMedia . . . . any news on this on your end?

[walleye*guy]

It's still up in the air.....
Bell is offering a whole package deal for about $140 mill/year for all the rights. CBC only wants the Saturday/playoff package and will pay about $65 mill for that. It doesn't look good knowing the greed factor of the NHL...

Here's a story from the Globe & Mail....

Will CBC be left out in the cold?
William Houston
Globe and Mail
Aug 11, 2006

Remember this number: $1.4-billion over 10 years. That figure could deliver the most coveted prize in Canadian sports television to CTV-TSN, according to sources.

The prize, of course, is Hockey Night in Canada, the CBC's long-time ratings leader, rights to which will expire at the end of the 2007-08 National Hockey League season.

According to insiders, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has already talked to the CBC and CTV-TSN about the bidding process.

Two well-placed sources say Bell Globemedia, which owns CTV and TSN as well as The Globe and Mail and part of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is likely to proffer a bid that the CBC may find impossible to match — $140-million a year for 10 years, for a total of $1.4-billion.

That would be for everything: Canadian English-language broadcast rights, cable rights, French-language rights and ownership of Internet streaming.

Right now, the CBC is paying about $65-million a year for broadcasting; TSN's cable deal is worth about $15-million; and CTV-owned RDS's Montreal Canadiens' French-language agreement is for about $12-million.

That adds up to $92-million, meaning a CTV-TSN bid of $140-million would exceed the current amount by almost $50-million a year.

Could the CBC match that offer? Not likely. For starters, it doesn't have a sports cable outlet. Therefore, it would bid only for English-language broadcast rights and perhaps French-language rights for Radio-Canada.

What's more, the future of the public broadcaster's programming mandate is unclear. Committing more than $100-million a year for one sports property would probably be seen as a non-starter.

But the CBC holds two trump cards in dealing with the NHL. One is the tradition of Hockey Night airing on the network since 1952. The second is the threat that the CBC wouldn't bid again if it loses hockey to CTV-TSN.

However, a 10-year offer by CTV-TSN would eliminate the problem of the CBC removing itself from the marketplace.

Ten years is an eternity in the TV business and the NHL wouldn't care what the competitive landscape looked like in 2018-19.

Why would CTV-TSN raise the stakes by putting $1.4-billion on the table?

Hockey telecasts are moneymakers, particularly in the postseason, when advertising rates are increased and more games are televised.

On a good year, it's believed the CBC has been making $30-million and more in profit from the hockey telecasts. The network's current rights fee of $65-million a year, therefore, is viewed by the NHL as a bargain.

If CTV-TSN were to win the rights, CTV would carry the Saturday night doubleheaders during the regular season. TSN also would provide a full schedule of regular-season games.

For the postseason, the bulk of content would air on TSN and perhaps a secondary channel, TSN2, if it received regulatory approval. CTV would air some playoffs games, probably on Saturday afternoons and evenings, then carry the full slate of Stanley Cup final telecasts.

Even if the rights fee paid by CTV-TSN were so high as to be a money loser for TSN, the network's increased access to Canadian games would raise audience figures. Some of the audience would spill over to related programming, such as SportsCentre, to improve TSN's overall numbers. And when the audience needle moves, the ad rates go up

[Big D]

It's still up in the air.....
Bell is offering a whole package deal for about $140 mill/year for all the rights. CBC only wants the Saturday/playoff package and will pay about $65 mill for that. It doesn't look good knowing the greed factor of the NHL...

Here's a story from the Globe & Mail....

Will CBC be left out in the cold?
William Houston
Globe and Mail
Aug 11, 2006

Remember this number: $1.4-billion over 10 years. That figure could deliver the most coveted prize in Canadian sports television to CTV-TSN, according to sources.

The prize, of course, is Hockey Night in Canada, the CBC's long-time ratings leader, rights to which will expire at the end of the 2007-08 National Hockey League season.

According to insiders, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has already talked to the CBC and CTV-TSN about the bidding process.

Two well-placed sources say Bell Globemedia, which owns CTV and TSN as well as The Globe and Mail and part of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is likely to proffer a bid that the CBC may find impossible to match — $140-million a year for 10 years, for a total of $1.4-billion.

That would be for everything: Canadian English-language broadcast rights, cable rights, French-language rights and ownership of Internet streaming.

Right now, the CBC is paying about $65-million a year for broadcasting; TSN's cable deal is worth about $15-million; and CTV-owned RDS's Montreal Canadiens' French-language agreement is for about $12-million.

That adds up to $92-million, meaning a CTV-TSN bid of $140-million would exceed the current amount by almost $50-million a year.

Could the CBC match that offer? Not likely. For starters, it doesn't have a sports cable outlet. Therefore, it would bid only for English-language broadcast rights and perhaps French-language rights for Radio-Canada.

What's more, the future of the public broadcaster's programming mandate is unclear. Committing more than $100-million a year for one sports property would probably be seen as a non-starter.

But the CBC holds two trump cards in dealing with the NHL. One is the tradition of Hockey Night airing on the network since 1952. The second is the threat that the CBC wouldn't bid again if it loses hockey to CTV-TSN.

However, a 10-year offer by CTV-TSN would eliminate the problem of the CBC removing itself from the marketplace.

Ten years is an eternity in the TV business and the NHL wouldn't care what the competitive landscape looked like in 2018-19.

Why would CTV-TSN raise the stakes by putting $1.4-billion on the table?

Hockey telecasts are moneymakers, particularly in the postseason, when advertising rates are increased and more games are televised.

On a good year, it's believed the CBC has been making $30-million and more in profit from the hockey telecasts. The network's current rights fee of $65-million a year, therefore, is viewed by the NHL as a bargain.

If CTV-TSN were to win the rights, CTV would carry the Saturday night doubleheaders during the regular season. TSN also would provide a full schedule of regular-season games.

For the postseason, the bulk of content would air on TSN and perhaps a secondary channel, TSN2, if it received regulatory approval. CTV would air some playoffs games, probably on Saturday afternoons and evenings, then carry the full slate of Stanley Cup final telecasts.

Even if the rights fee paid by CTV-TSN were so high as to be a money loser for TSN, the network's increased access to Canadian games would raise audience figures. Some of the audience would spill over to related programming, such as SportsCentre, to improve TSN's overall numbers. And when the audience needle moves, the ad rates go up


I just don't know how to feel about this. HNIC is such a tradition it would be hard to see the innevitable changes that would occur if it moved to a new network....part of me wants new faces but part of me is like "no....this has *always* been the way". I can't believe this is not getting more attention given that the contract is up at the end of next season.

[civ@uw]

For the love of god, we dont need any more Rod Black, Pierre McGuire or any of other of those annoying personalities CTV-TSN have to offer.

[walleye*guy]

For the love of god, we dont need any more Rod Black, Pierre McGuire or any of other of those annoying personalities CTV-TSN have to offer.
Brian (What time is it in Toronto?) Williams will host the Saturday double header - Chris Cuthbert and the colour-man (flavour of the day) will call game 1, second stringers for game 2.
Don Cherry is expected to leap - Ron McLean will stay.
Don't ask how I found this out - - - -

[flyingdutchman]

So will they be showing HNIC anymore or any leafs games on CBC or did NBC buy that?

[forreal]

I remember a few years ago when John Davidson and Chris Cuthbert were doing some games together, someone wrote in an article that they were the best broadcasting duo, bar none. I would agree with that. What about you, walleye*guy?

About Don Cherry's tired act, I got a glimpse of how good it could be without Cherry during the World Cup in 2004. Ron McLean, Brian Burke and Kelly Hrudey were doing the first-intermission chit chats and I was blown away by how interesting and informative the conversations actually were. When Cherry's time is up, I won't miss him at all.

On a personal note, walleye*guy, what will happen to you when the new era begins? Will you be going to CTV-TSN, too?

[impronto]

that was a very good and interesting post walleye. if it means more games on tv, let bell win.

[Rometiklan]

Change can be good. I'm familiar and comfortable with the way CBC has been doing HNIC for as long as most of us have been alive, but sometimes you have to shake up the status quo. The downside is that if people don't like the way CTV-TSN run the show, we'll be stuck with it for 10 years.

[MrWizard]

So will they be showing HNIC anymore or any leafs games on CBC or did NBC buy that?

Where on earth did you pull that one from?

[walleye*guy]

So will they be showing HNIC anymore or any leafs games on CBC or did NBC buy that?
Saturday - 1st game 99% Leafs - never could figure that one out.
2nd game from the west....

[walleye*guy]

I remember a few years ago when John Davidson and Chris Cuthbert were doing some games together, someone wrote in an article that they were the best broadcasting duo, bar none. I would agree with that. What about you, walleye*guy?

About Don Cherry's tired act, I got a glimpse of how good it could be without Cherry during the World Cup in 2004. Ron McLean, Brian Burke and Kelly Hrudey were doing the first-intermission chit chats and I was blown away by how interesting and informative the conversations actually were. When Cherry's time is up, I won't miss him at all.

On a personal note, walleye*guy, what will happen to you when the new era begins? Will you be going to CTV-TSN, too?

The Cuthbert/Davidson duo is legendary - if they can put it back together, then they will probably go on for a very long time. Personally, Chris & John are great talents who work very hard for their successes......but I can drink both "sur la table". (we've had some fun....)

I've got 25+ years in as a staffer, reduced pension is 5 years away - full is 9. It would have to be one H*LL of an offer for me to go. CTV and TSN have no staffers when it comes to hockey crews - it's all freelance. After I'm done at the Corp - there's always that......

[walleye*guy]

that was a very good and interesting post walleye. if it means more games on tv, let bell win.
Uh - no....... it will mean less games. Think that CTV will run triple headers on Saturdays? Not so very likely..... If you have no cable - good luck during playoffs. Hmmm..... second round playoffs say - Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton are all playing. It's Thursday night during ratings week. (Trust me - - we see this scenario all the time) What do you think the CTV Network will carry?

$20 says Survivor......

My bet is that fewer games will be seen, and of those even less will be of interest. Why would a Clagry fan want to watch Oilers when the Flames are playing, Ottawa while Toronto plays......
It's going to be hard to split the signal so that local gets local....

[forreal]

Bumping an excellent thread.

Did anybody watch HNIC's national feed of the early game last Saturday? A lot of shocking things happened that night. The first shock was that the national feed did not involve a team with a blue maple leaf on its jersey. The second shock was that one of the teams that was involved was the Habs (the other team was the Pens). Pray to whatever god that you believe in that these are not signs of the coming apocalypse. Personally, however, I'm offering a prayer of thanks to the all-mighty deity. Thank you for showing the Habs on the CBC, and against a team that's not the Leafs. Thank you, Sidney Crosby. :)

BTW, is this the first time that Cassie Campbell has done the colour? I was truly impressed with the job she did. She's already better than Harry Neale. :lol:

[skanji]

Can't wait for CBC to lose HNIC...

It's time for a change and the majority of those of us in Ottawa would agree...

It's brutal for us not to see the Sens most Saturday nights. Get Healey, Bowen and Neale off of their pirch and get guys like Bob McKenzie on.

[Irb]

Bumping an excellent thread.

Did anybody watch HNIC's national feed of the early game last Saturday? A lot of shocking things happened that night. The first shock was that the national feed did not involve a team with a blue maple leaf on its jersey. The second shock was that one of the teams that was involved was the Habs (the other team was the Pens). Pray to whatever god that you believe in that these are not signs of the coming apocalypse. Personally, however, I'm offering a prayer of thanks to the all-mighty deity. Thank you for showing the Habs on the CBC, and against a team that's not the Leafs. Thank you, Sidney Crosby. :)

BTW, is this the first time that Cassie Campbell has done the colour? I was truly impressed with the job she did. She's already better than Harry Neale. :lol:Cassie Campbell sucks doing colour and no it wasn't her first time. She got lambasted after the first time she did it.

[skanji]

Cassie Campbell sucks doing colour and no it wasn't her first time. She got lambasted after the first time she did it.

She's fine - time to shake up the big boys...

It takes time to learn, and she will...

[roger1818]

Can't wait for CBC to lose HNIC...

It's time for a change and the majority of those of us in Ottawa would agree...

It's brutal for us not to see the Sens most Saturday nights.

You are mistaken. This season CBOT is showing 18 Sens games in the 29 weeks of the regular season (about 62%). So most Saturday nights we can see the Sens play. The reality is a lot of people would never be able to see the Sens play on Saturday nights if the CBC lost HNIC since neither TSN nor RSN broadcast over the air.

Besides TSN has only one station nationally and RSN only has one station for Ontario. Do you think either one of them would choose the Sens over the Leafs if they had the choice? Not a chance! The unfortunate reality is there aren't very many Sens fans outside of Ottawa but Leafs and Habs fans are spread from coast to coast. I would even guess (don’t ask me for stat because I don’t have them) that nationally there are more Canuck, Flames and Oilers fans than there are Sens fans.

[impronto]

Can't wait for CBC to lose HNIC...

It's time for a change and the majority of those of us in Ottawa would agree...

It's brutal for us not to see the Sens most Saturday nights. Get Healey, Bowen and Neale off of their pirch and get guys like Bob McKenzie on.

ya skanji, i dont know what your talking about. a lot of sens games have been on HNIC this year, just not in HD. they are shown locally, but they are on.

[skanji]

This is the most amount of game HNIC has shown - never realized it was that many, and I think both of you would concede that this is by far the most games HNIC has carried through the years...

The point is, hopefully when another carrier gets it, they will be able to share the rights with others (CTV/TSN) partnership. As opposed to CBC holding onto the rights exclusively. Why not sell the rights for those other games in Canada that aren't being televised on Saturday night??

[walleye*guy]

Bumping an excellent thread.

Did anybody watch HNIC's national feed of the early game last Saturday? A lot of shocking things happened that night. The first shock was that the national feed did not involve a team with a blue maple leaf on its jersey. The second shock was that one of the teams that was involved was the Habs (the other team was the Pens). Pray to whatever god that you believe in that these are not signs of the coming apocalypse. Personally, however, I'm offering a prayer of thanks to the all-mighty deity. Thank you for showing the Habs on the CBC, and against a team that's not the Leafs. Thank you, Sidney Crosby. :)

BTW, is this the first time that Cassie Campbell has done the colour? I was truly impressed with the job she did. She's already better than Harry Neale. :lol:

Cassies first time doing colour - solo. Verry good first effort - she will get a lot better.

[walleye*guy]

This is the most amount of game HNIC has shown - never realized it was that many, and I think both of you would concede that this is by far the most games HNIC has carried through the years...

The point is, hopefully when another carrier gets it, they will be able to share the rights with others (CTV/TSN) partnership. As opposed to CBC holding onto the rights exclusively. Why not sell the rights for those other games in Canada that aren't being televised on Saturday night??


If you honestly believe that the TSN/CTV consortium will part with any games, I have a nice piece of ocean-front property for you in Saskatchewan.
CTV/TSN want all the broadcast rights for all the games in Canada. If you don't live in Toronto, Vancouver and a lesser part Calgary/Edmonton you will be SOL. Don't fool yourself all the ad dollars are centred in T.O. - and CTV/TSN will only care about that. Regional representation? FORGET IT!!!
If this is fun - wait until the playoffs (Hint - you'd better get a sat or cable and you'd better wear a Blue Maple Leaf). Then again - what do I know?

[roger1818]

If you honestly believe that the TSN/CTV consortium will part with any games, I have a nice piece of ocean-front property for you in Saskatchewan.

I also doubt if CTV would bother showing any games other than maybe the Stanley Cup Finals.

[skanji]

If you honestly believe that the TSN/CTV consortium will part with any games, I have a nice piece of ocean-front property for you in Saskatchewan.
CTV/TSN want all the broadcast rights for all the games in Canada. If you don't live in Toronto, Vancouver and a lesser part Calgary/Edmonton you will be SOL. Don't fool yourself all the ad dollars are centred in T.O. - and CTV/TSN will only care about that. Regional representation? FORGET IT!!!
If this is fun - wait until the playoffs (Hint - you'd better get a sat or cable and you'd better wear a Blue Maple Leaf). Then again - what do I know?

wow, talk about cbc scare tactics...they aren't going to kiss those audiences goodbye. do you think CBC is showing Calgary/Edmonton/Ottawa games out of the kindness of their hearts? I don't think so. There's money to be made, granted not as much, but they will not isolate those audiences, just like the CBC doesn't (especially this year)

I personally think the coverage of the CFL on TSN is much better than CBC ever was.

[walleye*guy]

wow, talk about cbc scare tactics...they aren't going to kiss those audiences goodbye. do you think CBC is showing Calgary/Edmonton/Ottawa games out of the kindness of their hearts? I don't think so. There's money to be made, granted not as much, but they will not isolate those audiences, just like the CBC doesn't (especially this year)

I personally think the coverage of the CFL on TSN is much better than CBC ever was.

Don't really want to argue - just going to point out that CTV/TSN is going to want to maximize the money they can get out of hockey. That will probably mean 1 Saturday night game on CTV followed by some American network program (CSI et al). American programs are cheap - doing a game as main feed is not so cheap. Ad revenue is the same. You might get a Canadian/Amercian game as a second, but that would be because the second feed out of a game is cheaper than the first. You don't need as many cameras or bodies. The VAST majority of hockey will be on TSN. No cable or Sat? No hockey.
BTW - glad you enjoy the TSN football. As of 2008 CBC is out of football completely.

[jonkaho]

a few questions here!

Is Don Whittman still with CBC sports?

Who composed the theme for coaches corner?

[forreal]

Is Don Whittman still with CBC sports?

Don Wittman did the Habs-Pens game with Cassie Campbell last weekend.

[jonkaho]

Don Wittman did the Habs-Pens game with Cassie Campbell last weekend.


lol i haven't watched hockey on CBC sports in awhile!

mostly watch it on TSN with Gord Miller and Pierre McGwire.

[impronto]

questions about broadcast of the 5.1 dolby on a hockey game. Where are the rear speaker sound mics placed? And how come there isnt more audio put on from the ice, where you can hear players? (prolly swearing but dunno for sure)

[zalapski]

Don't really want to argue - just going to point out that CTV/TSN is going to want to maximize the money they can get out of hockey. That will probably mean 1 Saturday night game on CTV followed by some American network program (CSI et al). American programs are cheap - doing a game as main feed is not so cheap. Ad revenue is the same. You might get a Canadian/Amercian game as a second, but that would be because the second feed out of a game is cheaper than the first...


This sounds rather ominous, just when I am starting to get used to the second game involving a western Canadian team on a rather late Saturday night/Sunday morning.

Also want to give a big up for Cassie Campbell doing the colour commentary, it is refreshing to hear someone different with an experienced, high playing level, perspective of the game.

[Tig]

what did you do to during the lockout?

[walleye*guy]

questions about broadcast of the 5.1 dolby on a hockey game. Where are the rear speaker sound mics placed? And how come there isnt more audio put on from the ice, where you can hear players? (prolly swearing but dunno for sure)

Haven't a clue where the buzz boys put the mics for 5.1 rear channel - - but I'll ask.
The reason you don't get more on-ice sound - they tend to swear a bit. Aunt May gets real pissed to hear foul language on-the-air. You want to see the phones light up - have some player drop the f-bomb. You'd think they never heard the word before.

[walleye*guy]

what did you do to during the lockout?
Not much. Had time to plant a garden and found out one of my trees flowers in late April.

[roger1818]

The reason you don't get more on-ice sound - they tend to swear a bit. Aunt May gets real pissed to hear foul language on-the-air. You want to see the phones light up - have some player drop the f-bomb. You'd think they never heard the word before.

Understandable. It is a family show. It doesn't offend me to hear it, but I want to limit my 5 year olds exposure to profanity.

[poedua]

Not much. Had time to plant a garden and found out one of my trees flowers in late April.

This is sort of a general hockey TV broadcast question and not one of HNIC specifically.

Last night in the Leaf / Blackhawk broadcast, Mike Peca went down with a knee injury. The commentator were musing as to whether it was the same knee he previously injured or not - they couldn't remember. Not very long after bringing it up, the techs had a dug up a vifeo clip showing when Domi had caused Peca's previous knee injury. To dig up that clip so fast was very impressive IMO.

I was just amazed that they could dig up a film clip of that Domi hit so quickly.

It's one thing to have old clips resady for Coach's Corner etc. but how is possible to do come up with a clip in such a short period of time - it seemed it only took them about 10 minutes ? Do they have a video database of all previous NHL games going back years ? And even if they knew in which game game Domi hit Peca, is it something like a fast forward of that game to find the Domi hit ?

[walleye*guy]

This is sort of a general hockey TV broadcast question and not one of HNIC specifically.

Last night in the Leaf / Blackhawk broadcast, Mike Peca went down with a knee injury. The commentator were musing as to whether it was the same knee he previously injured or not - they couldn't remember. Not very long after bringing it up, the techs had a dug up a vifeo clip showing when Domi had caused Peca's previous knee injury. To dig up that clip so fast was very impressive IMO.

I was just amazed that they could dig up a film clip of that Domi hit so quickly.

It's one thing to have old clips resady for Coach's Corner etc. but how is possible to do come up with a clip in such a short period of time - it seemed it only took them about 10 minutes ? Do they have a video database of all previous NHL games going back years ? And even if they knew in which game game Domi hit Peca, is it something like a fast forward of that game to find the Domi hit ?

They have a pretty amazing data base they can access - but honestly there are soooo many hockey nerds working for them that they probably had one yell out January 13th 2004 (or whatever the date was). Don't know about TSN or Sportsnet - but the way they do it here is.....
All the old footage lives in T.O. - if they need something, all they need is a date or what teams were playing.
Access the database and input date or teams - it'll do the list.
Pick a game and it will list all the highlights with time of day timecode. Even down to penalities and face-offs.
Find what you need and send a note to library.
All hockey games live on our servers.
Library responds with the clip that is sent via sat to the truck where the game is coming from.
Average turn-around (if the people know what they're doing)

7 - 10 minutes

[Spor 13]

Is there usually only one network (CBC, TSN..) that operates the cameras on any given night? For example, during the playoffs, I'm sure more than one network will carry it like CBC in Canada and ABC in USA. So which network operates the cameras? Or does one just get the feed of the other?

[walleye*guy]

Is there usually only one network (CBC, TSN..) that operates the cameras on any given night? For example, during the playoffs, I'm sure more than one network will carry it like CBC in Canada and ABC in USA. So which network operates the cameras? Or does one just get the feed of the other?
Most of the time the local station (TSN,CBC in Canada - Fox in the states) will provide the main feed. That usually consists of the main play camera and the main Iso. Some deals are usually cut and they'll share a bunch of different stuff. After that it's easier for the different networks to supply their own stuff. You really can't expect an Iso camera to try and follow two different players at the same time. The "host" feed is also responsable for the time feeds, the scoreclock, the netcams and to pick up the NHL feed - these are all shared. But sometimes (ABC....) you can deal with real a$$hole$. They want their own play and iso so you have to move stuff and build new camera positions. I guess they never learned to share when they were young....

[s2kdarren]

just read the whole thread, and wanted to say thanks for answering all the questions, and thanks for the work you do. i love HNIC
merry xmas

[kevin01]

HNIC wont be on CBC after this season right? Who will operate it then, and will Cherry still be there?

[impronto]

Haven't a clue where the buzz boys put the mics for 5.1 rear channel - - but I'll ask.
The reason you don't get more on-ice sound - they tend to swear a bit. Aunt May gets real pissed to hear foul language on-the-air. You want to see the phones light up - have some player drop the f-bomb. You'd think they never heard the word before.

ya, it would be interesting to know where those rear mics are placed and the reason behind it.

and ya, i figured there isnt more sound from the ice because of the swearing. :)

[walleye*guy]

HNIC wont be on CBC after this season right? Who will operate it then, and will Cherry still be there?

It's not official - but there's no way CBC can counter the TSN/CTV bid. No announcement probably until June I think (end-of-season). All NHL hockey TV broadcast rights in Canada will be held by TSN/CTV. No chance of CBC doing a game. Cherry will probably jump to TSN, McLean would probably stay.

[walleye*guy]

just read the whole thread, and wanted to say thanks for answering all the questions, and thanks for the work you do. i love HNIC
merry xmas


You're welcome!
I have to admit it's been one heck of a ride
Happy New Year!!!

[gordholio]

Question: Does Don Cherry humiliate Ron McLean off camera as well?
I sometimes think that Ron is one day is going to surprise everyone and put Cherry in his place.

[walleye*guy]

Question: Does Don Cherry humiliate Ron McLean off camera as well?
I sometimes think that Ron is one day is going to surprise everyone and put Cherry in his place.
Ron and Don are very civil off camera - they're not going to spend christmas with each other, but they do get along very well. Mind you Ron can get along with anyone.....

[impronto]

any info on where those rear mics are placed for the 5.1? thanks

[MrWizard]

skanji and other frustrated Sens fan, you'd have to be pretty naive to think that just because TSN/CTV will get the rights, that they will start playing more Sens games. Ottawa simply isn't a moneymaker like Toronto and Montreal.

It's going to be weird watching Saturday games on CTV or TSN. It's just been tradition that on a Saturday night, I could turn to channel 6 and know there would be a Leaf game on.

Would it be Gord Miller and Pierre McGuire doing all the games? If so, I'd shoot myself because I HATE McGuire. He irritates the hell out of me.

walleye, with HNIC likely moving, what is your job status? Have you been in contact with TSN/CTV?

[roger1818]

skanji and other frustrated Sens fan, you'd have to be pretty naive to think that just because TSN/CTV will get the rights, that they will start playing more Sens games. Ottawa simply isn't a moneymaker like Toronto and Montreal.

I totally agree with you. TSN is one channel and if they have a choice between a Leafs game and a Sens game, guess which one they will pick. The only hope is if CTV decides to show some games, but if recent history is any indication, things don't look good for that.

Just to give people an idea of who covers how many Sens Games, of the 82 games in the regular season, A-Channel and SNET each show 20 games, CBC shows 18 games (8 Nationally and 10 Regionally), NHL Centre Ice shows 11 games, TSN shows 8 games (2 of which are also on A-CH), 5 are on PPV and 2 are not broadcast in English.

From this you can see TSN is only showing about 10% of the Sens games (3 of those games are against Toronto) but they are showing 23 Leafs games so you can definitely see where their priorities are.

Our best hope is that CTV decides to do something similar to HNIC with their local broadcast stations, and that they sell the "undesirable" Sens games to other networks (Rogers SportsNet and A-Channel) at a reasonable price.

Has CBC considered teaming up with SNET to compete with CTV/TSN?

[impostor]

walleye, with HNIC likely moving, what is your job status? Have you been in contact with TSN/CTV?The guy already answered that in post #175 (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3932605&postcount=175).

[MrWizard]

The guy already answered that in post #175 (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3932605&postcount=175).

Oh, cool, didn't see that.

[Longobongo]

BTW the reason they almost always agree to the interview is that the player gets to keep the towel.....they really want the towels

wow, i read this entire thread in one sitting, thanks so much for your insight walleye*guy!

The towel thing is great, I remember Martine Gaillard showing off one of them on Sportsnet to Mike Toth and I was like, "wtf, how'd she get one?!"

[walleye*guy]

any info on where those rear mics are placed for the 5.1? thanks

OK finally had a talk with a bunch of the sound guys and the concensus is.....
There's about 5-6 guys that do 5.1 hockey and they all are a little different...

Vocals/music (announcers,stings,promos and the such) go on the front stereo pair.

Ambience/crowd live on the back pair. These mikes are usually hung off the announcers booth - they try for a spread of 20 feet. They are also mixed with the ice mikes. These are the little black squares that are attached to the top of the glass usually around the blue lines. They basically turn the sheet of glass into a mike. (That's where you get the get the great CRUNCH when a player gets smacked into the boards)

Centre channel is where things get funky - some guys don't put anything on it. The theory is that if there is no centre channel most recievers will synthesize a signal from the front and the back pair. Also I'm told that is the case in most receivers even if there is a centre channel present. Others - the less lazy (IMHO) - will split the ambience mikes and the ice mikes running the ice mikes to the rear channels and putting the ambience down the centre. It's not a total split though - it's about 70/30 each way. So the back pair would be 70% ice mikes and 30% ambience and the centre the other way 'round.

The Base channel is really quite cute... they take the ice mikes - and roll off anything over about 100 hz to that they add whatever they feel like. Some hang mikes under the bleaches (if aluminum), some hang them from the roof, some tape them to the physical boards and even some (see above) put mikes out beside the trucks. But all the mikes are rolled off at about 100 hz.

[walleye*guy]

wow, i read this entire thread in one sitting, thanks so much for your insight walleye*guy!

The towel thing is great, I remember Martine Gaillard showing off one of them on Sportsnet to Mike Toth and I was like, "wtf, how'd she get one?!"

Just got back from Hockey Day in Camrose.....
Found something very funny.....
After the show they auctioned off a HNIC jersey and a HNIC towel to the audience after the show (the funds went to Camrose minor hockey).
The jersey went for $300 and was bought by a fan.
The towel went for $350 and was bought by a player (I think)

I gotta get me one of those.......

[Spor 13]

Centre channel is where things get funky - some guys don't put anything on it. The theory is that if there is no centre channel most recievers will synthesize a signal from the front and the back pair. Also I'm told that is the case in most receivers even if there is a centre channel present. Others - the less lazy (IMHO) - will split the ambience mikes and the ice mikes running the ice mikes to the rear channels and putting the ambience down the centre. It's not a total split though - it's about 70/30 each way. So the back pair would be 70% ice mikes and 30% ambience and the centre the other way 'round.


That's interesting, I would've thought that the dialogue (commentators) and ambiance would be on the centre channel..

[impronto]

OK finally had a talk with a bunch of the sound guys and the concensus is.....
There's about 5-6 guys that do 5.1 hockey and they all are a little different...

Vocals/music (announcers,stings,promos and the such) go on the front stereo pair.

Ambience/crowd live on the back pair. These mikes are usually hung off the announcers booth - they try for a spread of 20 feet. They are also mixed with the ice mikes. These are the little black squares that are attached to the top of the glass usually around the blue lines. They basically turn the sheet of glass into a mike. (That's where you get the get the great CRUNCH when a player gets smacked into the boards)

Centre channel is where things get funky - some guys don't put anything on it. The theory is that if there is no centre channel most recievers will synthesize a signal from the front and the back pair. Also I'm told that is the case in most receivers even if there is a centre channel present. Others - the less lazy (IMHO) - will split the ambience mikes and the ice mikes running the ice mikes to the rear channels and putting the ambience down the centre. It's not a total split though - it's about 70/30 each way. So the back pair would be 70% ice mikes and 30% ambience and the centre the other way 'round.

The Base channel is really quite cute... they take the ice mikes - and roll off anything over about 100 hz to that they add whatever they feel like. Some hang mikes under the bleaches (if aluminum), some hang them from the roof, some tape them to the physical boards and even some (see above) put mikes out beside the trucks. But all the mikes are rolled off at about 100 hz.

thanks for that!

[impronto]

did you know that denis guy who died who was featured in the intermission? sounds like he was a good guy.

[Konowl]

did you know that denis guy who died who was featured in the intermission? sounds like he was a good guy.

It's creepy how fast you thought of this thread and posted to it after seeing that feature.

[impronto]

It's creepy how fast you thought of this thread and posted to it after seeing that feature.

well i remembered that walleye was a camera guy in the west and this was a west cameraman, thats all

[chernabog]

When is the CBC going to get it over with and finally change the name of the program to "Hockey Night in Toronto"?

[skanji]

When is the CBC going to get it over with and finally change the name of the program to "Hockey Night in Toronto"?

+1

[Spor 13]

Doesn't HNIC change over to the regional game if there is one?? I remember being in Ottawa when they faced the Habs a couple weeks ago, and I was pissed no (good;) ) bar had the Toronto game on, but only the Ottawa game.

[skanji]

Doesn't HNIC change over to the regional game if there is one?? I remember being in Ottawa when they faced the Habs a couple weeks ago, and I was pissed no (good;) ) bar had the Toronto game on, but only the Ottawa game.

Nope - they choose the regional games they wish to televise. The Sens games on Saturday are completely upto HNIC as to whether they wish to televise it or not.

From what I hear, in the new contract, this will change (allegedly). They can allow local stations to air the games. Excuse the Ottawa market if we are skeptical on this though. CBC coverage of the Sens has been pathetic.

[walleye*guy]

did you know that denis guy who died who was featured in the intermission? sounds like he was a good guy.
I worked with him 5-6 times....
good guy - - good head on his shoulders
he was always there for whatever needed to be done
(lifted a few brew with him after the games, BS'd a bit - - laughed a lot.....)


45 is way too young

[walleye*guy]

well i remembered that walleye was a camera guy in the west and this was a west cameraman, thats all

New NHL deal says only 23 Leafs games can be broadcast in a year on CBC - not including playoffs (I ain't going there....)

Means more Ottawa games and CBC is planning more triple-header Saturdays and games Sundays. It will look a lot different - even the Toronto Sport Network (TSN) will have more of their favourite team to show.

[skanji]

New NHL deal says only 23 Leafs games can be broadcast in a year on CBC - not including playoffs (I ain't going there....)

Means more Ottawa games and CBC is planning more triple-header Saturdays and games Sundays. It will look a lot different - even the Toronto Sport Network (TSN) will have more of their favourite team to show.

I find it humorous that a CBC employee, particularly one who is so closely affiliated with HNIC, would be mocking TSN. My tax dollars don't pay for TSN. They pay for CBC. It's long overdue that the CBC is having more balanced coverage. It's been an absolutely joke that CBC continues to shill for the leafs and mlse.

ONLY 23 games? That works out to what exactly? Every Saturday night??

[walleye*guy]

I find it humorous that a CBC employee, particularly one who is so closely affiliated with HNIC, would be mocking TSN. My tax dollars don't pay for TSN. They pay for CBC. It's long overdue that the CBC is having more balanced coverage. It's been an absolutely joke that CBC continues to shill for the leafs and mlse.

ONLY 23 games? That works out to what exactly? Every Saturday night??

sigh......
I guess we'll just have to wait and see the new sched to see how many more Sen's games you get. My bet is you'll see between 11 and 15 games next year.
BTW good luck in the playoffs - if you can get by Pittsburg I think you have about a 75% chance of going to the finals

[skanji]

sigh......
I guess we'll just have to wait and see the new sched to see how many more Sen's games you get. My bet is you'll see between 11 and 15 games next year.
BTW good luck in the playoffs - if you can get by Pittsburg I think you have about a 75% chance of going to the finals

It'll be our absolute pleasure to watch the Sens on CBC in HD...

The best thing about the deal is the fact that regional markets can show games locally that don't have to be on CBC...again, that is what has been reported, and we'll see how it is.

You can't be surprised nor can you be critical of the Ottawa market's view of the CBC on this issue...I wonder what the CBC thinks of Ottawa and coming into the market to cover the team. It wouldn't surprise me if Ron and Don stayed in studio 42 as opposed to stepping foot here.

[walleye*guy]

It'll be our absolute pleasure to watch the Sens on CBC in HD...

The best thing about the deal is the fact that regional markets can show games locally that don't have to be on CBC...again, that is what has been reported, and we'll see how it is.

You can't be surprised nor can you be critical of the Ottawa market's view of the CBC on this issue...I wonder what the CBC thinks of Ottawa and coming into the market to cover the team. It wouldn't surprise me if Ron and Don stayed in studio 42 as opposed to stepping foot here.

I totally understand - remember I'm way out west.....

BTW - there are now two fully HD trucks at CBC, Encore (the newest) is deployed to Ottawa. Premier is in Vancouver. Calgary gets $crewed......

Standard procedure is they send Ron and Don out to the "boonies" (anywhere but T.O) once a year. Vancouver sees them once, as do Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa. But that's regular season.

Playoffs will see them in 42 until the third round, then if there is a Canadian team left - off they go. No 'Canucks left? - they they hit the road for the finals. That's the usual drill. If Toronto ever makes the playoffs again - then they might change that. (tee heeeee)

[chernabog]

I was curious about HNIT's coverage so I checked the schedule they posted on their site.

Here's the breakdown of the 6 Canadian teams and how often they were shown (nationally or regionally)

Vancouver - 15
Edmonton - 15
Calgary - 17
Montreal - 17
Ottawa - 19

Toronto - 28 (only one game was not the national game)

Four of Ottawa's games were Laffs games as were 7 of Montreal's.


I can't understand why the imbalance. I grew up in Montreal and remember as a kid being able to watch the Habs in english on CBC. I'm talking every Saturday night during the regular season. They did regional coverage back then every week. I remember during the pre-game show, they would show a map of the country and show what games were being showing where. Usually Montreal was in Quebec and the Maritimes. Toronto would usually get Ontario ,Nfld and the west (until 9 when their games started back then).

There were 27 Saturday nights this past season and Montreal was only shown on 16 of those (the extra game was the Superbowl Sunday game against the Pens). Ottawa got 18 Saturday games (the extra being the first Thursday against the Laffs).

Why can't CBC go back to way they use to show games? The 7pm games should have Montreal shown in Quebec (except Hull) and the Maritimes (except Nfld). Ottawa should be Ontario east of Kingston and Hull. The rest of the country can have the Laffs. Then at 10 show Vancouver and rotate the Edmonton Calgary games.

Do they not do this anymore because it costs too much money or is it simply they don't want to? I moved to Toronto in '95 and I believe the Laffs became "Canada's" team just after that. When did Nancy Lee become head of CBC Sports?

I understand that it's more about the business now and that southern Ontario is the largest market and thus the advertisers money speaks. Which is fine, show the Laff games in southern Ontario. Who decided that Toronto was the main draw across the country when there's just a large number of Habs fans (not sure about the Sens) from coast to coast as well. Maybe this is something that needs to be taken up with the companies that advertise during HNIT. That being Ford, Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Labatt and Tim Hortons.

Personally it doesn't make a huge difference being a Habs fan stuck in Toronto. I subscribe to RDS to watch the games but I don't think it's fair to the fans in Quebec and Ottawa to not have their team on a publicly funded broadcaster.

One thing that does need to change over is the bias shown by the CBC crew. It's fine when they are showing the Laffs play a US team, but when they are playing a Canadian team, they should be impartial.

Losing Saturday night was bad enough but having to be subjected to the Toronto bias that was being spewed was even worse.

I know this may sound silly but considering that the CBC is a Crown Corporation, perhaps this is something that should be brought up with various MPs?

[direct-x]

I was curious about HNIT's coverage so I checked the schedule they posted on their site.

Here's the breakdown of the 6 Canadian teams and how often they were shown (nationally or regionally)

Vancouver - 15
Edmonton - 15
Calgary - 17
Montreal - 17
Ottawa - 19

Toronto - 28 (only one game was not the national game)

Four of Ottawa's games were Laffs games as were 7 of Montreal's.


I can't understand why the imbalance. I grew up in Montreal and remember as a kid being able to watch the Habs in english on CBC. I'm talking every Saturday night during the regular season. They did regional coverage back then every week. I remember during the pre-game show, they would show a map of the country and show what games were being showing where. Usually Montreal was in Quebec and the Maritimes. Toronto would usually get Ontario ,Nfld and the west (until 9 when their games started back then).

There were 27 Saturday nights this past season and Montreal was only shown on 16 of those (the extra game was the Superbowl Sunday game against the Pens). Ottawa got 18 Saturday games (the extra being the first Thursday against the Laffs).

Why can't CBC go back to way they use to show games? The 7pm games should have Montreal shown in Quebec (except Hull) and the Maritimes (except Nfld). Ottawa should be Ontario east of Kingston and Hull. The rest of the country can have the Laffs. Then at 10 show Vancouver and rotate the Edmonton Calgary games.

Do they not do this anymore because it costs too much money or is it simply they don't want to? I moved to Toronto in '95 and I believe the Laffs became "Canada's" team just after that. When did Nancy Lee become head of CBC Sports?

I understand that it's more about the business now and that southern Ontario is the largest market and thus the advertisers money speaks. Which is fine, show the Laff games in southern Ontario. Who decided that Toronto was the main draw across the country when there's just a large number of Habs fans (not sure about the Sens) from coast to coast as well. Maybe this is something that needs to be taken up with the companies that advertise during HNIT. That being Ford, Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Labatt and Tim Hortons.

Personally it doesn't make a huge difference being a Habs fan stuck in Toronto. I subscribe to RDS to watch the games but I don't think it's fair to the fans in Quebec and Ottawa to not have their team on a publicly funded broadcaster.

One thing that does need to change over is the bias shown by the CBC crew. It's fine when they are showing the Laffs play a US team, but when they are playing a Canadian team, they should be impartial.

Losing Saturday night was bad enough but having to be subjected to the Toronto bias that was being spewed was even worse.

I know this may sound silly but considering that the CBC is a Crown Corporation, perhaps this is something that should be brought up with various MPs?

Dead on brother. You took the words out of my mouth. I remember as well being able to watch the Habs on CBC or SRC (French equivalent) every Saturday night. When I would be in Arnprior Ontario with family sometimes, I would be really upset because they would only have Laffs games being broadcast.

CBC= Crown=Public money= Should represent fair/unbiased/equal coverage throughout Canada. It should not be Leaf spewing propoganda machine.

[lip1978]

Thanks for the update walleye!
Does Calgary get WS upconverting at least, or just SD? I wonder if FSN Detroit will somehow bring an HD truck up here for the games.

As for the Leafs/CBC, it's the only thing on that damn network that makes $, but if you want your tax $'s to lose even more profit potential, sure, lower the TO games...

[walleye*guy]

Thanks for the update walleye!
Does Calgary get WS upconverting at least, or just SD? I wonder if FSN Detroit will somehow bring an HD truck up here for the games.

As for the Leafs/CBC, it's the only thing on that damn network that makes $, but if you want your tax $'s to lose even more profit potential, sure, lower the TO games...
Change of plan - yet again....
Vancouver will get a rental HD truck
Premier goes to Calgary
Encore stays in Ottawa
result - ALL CANADIAN GAMES WILL BE IN TRUE HD!!

dunno about the away games.......

[lip1978]

Change of plan - yet again....
Vancouver will get a rental HD truck
Premier goes to Calgary
Encore stays in Ottawa
result - ALL CANADIAN GAMES WILL BE IN TRUE HD!!

dunno about the away games.......

Nice! I'd better watch and reward CBC for spending the $$$

[chernabog]

Thanks for the update walleye!
Does Calgary get WS upconverting at least, or just SD? I wonder if FSN Detroit will somehow bring an HD truck up here for the games.

As for the Leafs/CBC, it's the only thing on that damn network that makes $, but if you want your tax $'s to lose even more profit potential, sure, lower the TO games...

No one is saying to decrease the number of TO games. We want them to change their coverage and decrease the markets the TO games are shown in (like Montreal and Ottawa) and increase coverage of the other 5 teams.

[Cas77]

As for the Leafs/CBC, it's the only thing on that damn network that makes $, but if you want your tax $'s to lose even more profit potential, sure, lower the TO games...

Whoa...the words profit and crown corporation should not be used in the same sentence in a socialist democracy. If they break even then all the better! If you think they can't break even giving every citizen their fair share of regional hockey coverage they need to give their heads a shake, cut costs and hand out some pink slips to the incompetent decision makers. How can TSN not lose money showing a Wednesday night tilt between Pheonix and Washington while CBC claims major revenue loss showing Canadians THEIR home teams playing THEIR national sport?


The problem here is that HNIC is used to subsidize a week's worth a visual garbage...so instead of pulling the plug on the garbage, they turn to profiteering with their only moneymaker. This from a crown corporation is unconstitutional and wrong in many aspects.

I don't expect health canada to turn a profit, I don't expect immigration canada to turn a profit, I don't expect parks canada to turn a profit...I expect them to offer every canadian access to the same services whether they be in Nunavut or downtown Toronto. That's what our democracy was founded on "A Mari Usque Ad Mare".

[lip1978]

So I guess the term "running a surplus" doesn't mean anything...
You make a profit to be able to have a surplus if things go badly.

[skanji]

Can you please explain to me
a) why the CBC severely lacked any type of post game coverage after the Sens vicotry over Buffalo in game #5 of the Eastern Conference final except for two interviews?
b) why the CBC did not send any media to the ScotiaBank Place for the showing of the game to show the crowd to the rest of the country the way they did with the Buffalo crowd?
c) why the CBC immidiately cut to a REPEAT of a soccer game after the Senators game?
d) why is Bob Cole continuing to call games where he clearly does not know the players, or even what is going on during the game?
e) why there is an ongoing lack of respect and coverage for the Senators run to the cup by the CBC?

This is absolutely brutal and an embarassment to any true hockey fan, let alone the people of Ottawa.

[walleye*guy]

Can you please explain to me
a) why the CBC severely lacked any type of post game coverage after the Sens vicotry over Buffalo in game #5 of the Eastern Conference final except for two interviews?
b) why the CBC did not send any media to the ScotiaBank Place for the showing of the game to show the crowd to the rest of the country the way they did with the Buffalo crowd?
c) why the CBC immidiately cut to a REPEAT of a soccer game after the Senators game?
d) why is Bob Cole continuing to call games where he clearly does not know the players, or even what is going on during the game?
e) why there is an ongoing lack of respect and coverage for the Senators run to the cup by the CBC?

This is absolutely brutal and an embarassment to any true hockey fan, let alone the people of Ottawa.


no - I can't explain..............

hope you had a good vent though......

[skanji]

no - I can't explain..............

hope you had a good vent though......

I did. ....and the incompetence and outright arrogance at CBC continues...

[MrWizard]

Any reason the CBC switched to a scoreclock overlay that's probably going to cause burn-in on my new plasma?

[smuncky]

I did. ....and the incompetence and outright arrogance at CBC continues...

instead of posting here, make sure u and ur buddies write an angry letter to the CBC stating ur outrage.

[mself084]

Any reason the CBC switched to a scoreclock overlay that's probably going to cause burn-in on my new plasma?

I hate that CBC banner. its ridiculous...go back to the small one