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JUBTS of what it’s like to do a live in-game hit during a hockey game.
Through covering other sports and leagues like MLS and CFB (and of course the NHL), it helped me learn how to find interesting stories or pursue that extra quote that could add to the broadcast, and having covered hockey for over 15 years I have a lot of random knowledge which is a good starting point. It’s taken me years to figure out how best do this role - you don’t get much time on air, so when you do, make it worth while. I always tell my colleagues, “whatever we hear together or is public (press conferences, interviews on camera) is not mine, it’s fair game for anyone to use- whatever I have prepared is something that’s extra to add to the story,” which is why I take extra time to pull guys aside, make calls or talk to the other team to get perspective on a story. This way we all know that we won’t step on eachothers toes with information.
I also never tell my hits (entirely) to others on TV (I tell my producer), because the human brain is funny and can sometimes tell that story without realizing it. It’s not in a malicious way that this happens, so to avoid it, I tell my pxp (Dave Randorf) and analyst (Brian Engblom), “yeah I talked with Penguins Assistant coach Mike Stothers about Brayden Point earlier today” but I won’t tell them exactly what they said. So even if they say that info, I can add what was said. That way what I add is unique.
Any reporters reading this know you can do 10 interviews, have maybe 6-8 strong hits (stories) and get one sentence from that on air. It all depends on how the game is going and what is relevant to talk about. Also, if there are penalties in hockey, that usually eliminates the hit coming out of break so they can show a replay.
(Also may times the refs drop the puck much earlier than this video and I am just trying to finish the sentence or I stop talking to avoid talking over a goal.)
Hopefully this wasn’t too boring. Joe my A2 in Buffalo is a king for getting this video and also providing me great context for “the rematch” of Sabres/Bolts, which I used in my pregame hit.
Finally, I love @ladygaga new song.
#GoBolts #NHL #sportsreporter
@juliesb_
