25th season calling play-by-play for Kelowna Rockets. Five years SC Broncos. 30th overall. Born Saskatchewan tough. Now BC soft. Greatest fear? Losing my voice!
Non hockey post. We all have a cross to bear. My Dad, Vern, underwent jaw surgery in February. Half of it was removed when bone cancer was detected. That was followed by 6 weeks of radiation which concluded today. Oh, he’s 80. Looking for a hero? I’ve got mine.
#cancersucks
Bought an old projector from a gentleman last night for $25 bucks. My dad, who passed away in February, has a vast array of slides. Boxes and boxes of them. Found this gem. My first goalie photo. First set of gear, used of course. Lots of room for improvement and area to cover.
Full disclosure. I’ve been broadcasting with a heavy heart for 2 years dealing with dads jaw cancer. From prognosis to surgery to the knowledge they couldn’t get it all. It’s been a long road, but glad I was in on the fight. Will say goodbye Monday to my role model.
#VernonBartel
Hope the 'Hockey God's' are listening tonight. Need you now more than every before. Thinking off all the players and coaches families right now. Also thinking of Reid and Erik Gardiner, two Humboldt boys that will have extremely heavy hearts.
#Humboldt
Spending the Fathers Day weekend at Veranda Beach in Oroville, Washington. Beautiful area of the world. Came across this bench at the communal fire pit overlooking Osoyoos Lake. Touching tribute.
It was 18 years ago today, I became the PXP voice of
@Kelowna_Rockets
. I knew I was moving to a beautiful part of Canada with a sparkling new arena. What I didn’t know was the success the team would ultimately have. I am thankful for moving to the best city on the CHL circuit.
OHL’s London Knights play 3 in 3 this weekend in three different cities. Sounds tough? London to Kitchener (1 hour 15 min). Kitchener to Hamilton (52 min) Hamilton to Erie (2 hours 48 min). In WHL, Portland plays at home tonight. Drives 8 hours 33 min to play in Kelowna tomorrow.
Had doubts it would happen again....but after 25 years the
@SCBroncos
are WHL champs. A win for the city. A win for small market teams. A win for the WHL that EVERY team has a legitimate shot at hoisting the Ed Chynoweth Cup. The 2018 MC in Regina is going to be crazy.
For the record, I did 15 - one on one interviews with Leon Draisaitl with the
@Kelowna_Rockets
in 2015 and he never told me ‘you know everything’. Then again, I didn’t ask him why he was ‘so pissy.’
I'm a hockey guy, but I understand both sides. Let me share what minor hockey did for me. I wasn't academically inclined. Elementary/Junior High was a struggle. Confidence low. Hockey allowed me to be on even footing with my peers. It was the great equalizer for my mental health.
You will have to put up with me for another three years!! Pretty jacked about it to be honest working with a winning organization like the
@Kelowna_Rockets
. Ok, this year was a down year, but you get the idea.
.
@AM1150
announces exclusive three-year broadcast rights extension with the
@Kelowna_Rockets
, with veteran sportscaster Regan Bartel (
@Reganrant
) as the voice of the Rockets.
Release:
Holy Moly. The
@Kelowna_Rockets
are hosting the 2020 Memorial Cup. Congratulations to Tom Dyas and Bruce and Gavin Hamilton, who made the bid. 2020 will mark 25 seasons for the team in
#Kelowna
. Much to celebrate next season as the team plays into May.
The
#Humboldt
Broncos bus accident hits so close to home. Born in Swift Current, I was 17 when four players lost their lives in the 1986 bus crash. It impacted everyone in the community. Swift Current mourned and never forgot. Those lost in this tragedy will forever be remembered
If and when
@TheWHL
is allowed to play, why not start the games earlier? No fans to consider. How about at 5 pm start instead of the typical 7 pm puck drop? No point in players waiting around all day to show what they’ve got.
I want to sincerely thank
@KP_media1
for calling the last four
@Kelowna_Rockets
road games. Also to those who sent condolences on the passing of my father, Vern. And to top it off, the players for digging deep which would have made my dad, a season ticket holder, very happy! 🙏
Never thought I’d see the day two homeowners on our cul-de-sac putting sprinklers on top of the roof to prevent burning embers. Never thought I’d see the day of being displaced from our West Kelowna home by a wildfire either. Spending the night in a friends orchard.
Born in Swift Current - we always remember December 30, 1986. 34 years ago today. I’ve kept the program when I, like many packed the Civic Centre a few days later for the memorial service.
Well
@Kelowna_Rockets
Kaedan Korczak, I know it’s not the right colour of medal you wanted at the world juniors, but thanks for your commitment. For spending long days in your hotel room in quarantine and representing 🇨🇦 and Kelowna proudly. You are a winner in my eyes.
High 5 to those in Everett for giving all three stars to the visiting Tri City Americans 20 year-olds in their final game in WHL. Seattle did this in 2016 for the
@Kelowna_Rockets
in the Western Conference final. It shows true class of these organizations. Well done.
Celebrated our 25th anniversary tonight with dinner at Salty’s in Penticton. Under new COVID-19 guidelines, waiters wore masks. Hand sanitizer on tables. Empty table between ours and next group. Loved the extra room and quieter atmosphere. Honestly, found it better than before.
I want to congratulate Kelowna's Steve Papp for his dedication and passion for referring in
@TheWHL
. Nice send-off at Prospera Place last night, with Papp officiating his final scheduled game in Kelowna. Papp's dad called play-by-play with the Kelowna Spartans back in the day.
This is beautiful, raw emotion shared between Seattle's Colton Dach and
@Kelowna_Rockets
forward Dylan Whitman. If you don't think 'Dacher' made an impact here, think again. Beautifully captured by📸
@sdunsmoor
I'm no scout, but hear me out. I've seen
@blazerhockey
Connor Zary 27 times. He has 26 points over that span, but what stands out to me is the emotion he plays with. Whether scoring or setting up teammates, the fire is always ignited. Never have I see him play with cold embers.
Just think...this is
@Kelowna_Rockets
director of player personnel Lorne Frey's 30th rookie camp. He has been around for every one since the team came into the WHL back in 1991-92.
Happy Fathers Day!! This was taken two years ago - today. My dads finally trip to the ‘holy land’ before passing. Miss him, but so glad I could chauffeur him back to Drake, Saskatchewan. For those who’s dads have passed, I feel for you. For those that still exist - hug the dude!
This guy deserves a lot of credit for getting us safely from city to city on this Eastern Division road trip. We are in good hands with
@Kelowna_Rockets
bus driver Justin Bosher behind the wheel.
In leaving Swift Current, I had to make one last stop. I was in high school at the Comp when these boys died. Played hockey with Scotty’s brothers Trevor and Darren.
I think this is worthy of sharing.
@victoriaroyals
d-man, Wyatt Wilson, reached out to me this morning after being injured Tuesday night in a collision with Jackson DeSouza. He mentioned how classy it was that both
@Kelowna_Rockets
captain Colton Dach and d-man Jackson (1/2)
Relationship might be at a tipping point. Wife asked me last night, “Are you just going to sit here every night and watch hockey?” In my mind I’m going, “Umm, ya!” Had to explain to her it’s a condensed schedule so it needs my outmost attention. Explanation not working.
#doghouse
I think Jennifer Botterill does an excellent job. Smart, relaxed and do I say, solid style? Truth. Sure she played, but that doesn't mean it translates well on television. I'd argue she is the best female I've seen broadcasting at the NHL level.
@Sportsnet
has a good one.
When I was 9 years old, I would play ‘radio’ in my room. I know, it explains a lot. Now 53, I’m playing radio in my room - again - calling this
@Kelowna_Rockets
game by video. Relying on technology, this will either go right or go extremely wrong. 🙏
With
@SCBroncos
celebrating
@TheWHL
championship with tonight’s BBQ, would like to think Dennis Loeppky, Earl Monkman and Don Szakacs were looking down from heaven with a hot dog in hand and a huge smile. All three massive supporters of team while I was there.
While it’s easy to take shots at Adam Foote following his departure from
@Kelowna_Rockets
, ‘Footer’ reached out this afternoon to thank me for the pre-game chats we had. Awfully classy gesture and speaks volumes about the man that wanted so badly to succeed.
The proof is in the pudding. Junior teams would beg and plead for this type of coverage.
@bdnwheatkings
and ultimately its fans are blessed to have
@PerryBergson
covering them. This is today’s local paper!!
Big day for the ‘Bartel Boys’! Twins officially graduated today
@MBSSBears
. Let’s use hockey phraseology. They were third/fourth liners. Grinders. The game didn’t come easy, but they dug deep and gutted it out.
#victory
If you aren't watching even a bit of this
@TheWHL
championship series, you are missing a beauty. These two teams are killer good. This is 'our' league at its absolute best. The puck movement is off-the-charts terrific.
Thanks to all the
@AM1150
listeners for joining me on
@Kelowna_Rockets
broadcasts. To the coaches and players, it was a blast being your biggest fan and occasional critic. Hope to be back for season
#24
in 2018-2019. For the final time - good night from Toyota Center.
It’s been suggested a Wayne Gretzky rookie card (mint) will fetch $1 million dollars American at auction this week. I collected for the fun and gum, not profit. All of these are rookie cards.
The
@Kelowna_Rockets
pay a visit to
@SCBroncos
Memorial. So many great questions asked and awareness of what happened. So glad we did it, not only to pay respect, but for today’s players to understand the story.
Prairie people are beautiful. I missed the bus for pre-game meal here in Medicine Hat. Walking, the wind made it chilly. A mini van stopped at the side of road. A retired couple asking if I needed a lift. I took up the offer. Ensley or Insley was the last name. Thank you. 🙏
Never been a fan of 'cocky hockey'. The fact that it's coming from Canadian players is a shift. Maybe it's a new thing, but 🇨🇦 is chewing on some humble pie.
Roman Basran becomes first
@Kelowna_Rockets
16 year-old goaltender to record a shutout in first career WHL start. Basran makes 38 saves in 4-0 win vs. Tigers. Named 1st star for his efforts. Now 14-8-2-1.
DeSouza reached out to him to see if he was ok. Wilson said this in a text, “Kelowna should be super proud of these two representing their organizations.” Wyatt Wilson is from Swift Current, a place I was born and raised. From one Swift brother to another - speedy recovery Wyatt!
Things I'll miss about going down to US Division this season? Being enlightened my Mike Johnston. Trying to figure out who the new coach of the Spokane Chiefs is. Praying my broadcast gear doesn't fail in Tri City. Eating rum cake in Everett. Hearing 'Portland sucks' in Seattle.
First time back in Everett in what feels like forever. What greets me in the broadcast booth? Judy Scheuffele’s Rum Cake. Judy is no longer an usher
@WHLsilvertips
games but delivered her speciality to the arena. Time to get gassed in the broadcast booth.
Congrats to former
@Kelowna_Rockets
captain Madison Bowey, who will have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup. Fourth player in franchise history to do it. Scott Parker (2001), Travis Moen (2007), Duncan Keith (2010,2013,2015) and now Madison Bowey (2018).
#Kelowna
While
@SCBroncos
lose all three games at Memorial Cup, was it worth rolling the dice for a legitimate shot at winning the Ed Chynoweth Cup? A resounding YES! The Broncos have something (3 in fact) that many teams have ZERO - a WHL title as league champions.
#cuphalffull
World Radio Day. This is back in 1987 at CKSW, Swift Current. Evening announcer running religious programming. Once a half hour doing a time check and temperature. The goal was to call hockey play-by-play on the radio. See, dreams do come true.
New
@Kelowna_Rockets
interm head coach Kris Mallette took the long road to get here. First Rockets alumni to coach the same team he played for. To say he is grateful would be an understatement.
Happy Fathers Day! Three years ago, today, I took my terminally ill Dad - Vern - back to his birthplace. It was one of the most rewarding trips ever. We both knew this was his final stop in Saskatchewan. Miss him on days like this. So blessed for his humble beginnings.
The Seattle Thunderbird are Western Conference champs. They beat a 42 win team in round one (Kelowna), a 47 win team in round two (Portland) and a 48 win team in round three. Can it get any harder? Now they face a 50 win team in
@TheWHL
final.
Want to thank
@TheWHL
for saving my marriage this weekend with no games. Scoring MASSIVE browny points with
@DiBartel
by putting up the Christmas lights. This should keep me out of the doghouse until at least December.
#seasonedveteran
Happy Mother’s Day. This is my mom - Lil. It’s been 10 Mother’s Day’s without her. If you’ve lost your mom, feel blessed in knowing you had her in your life. Wouldn’t it be cool if we could flick a switch and have them back for just a day? Having them in our ♥️ will have to do.
Just to let you know, Erik Gardiner was brought in to provide a little inspiration. Forced to retire because of injuries, Gardiner surprised his teammates, calling out the pre-game startling line-up. Seems only fitting a lunch bucket player like 'Gards' would score game winner.
Really like how
@WHLHurricanes
handled the trades with it’s veteran players. Allowed them to say goodbye, publically, with media scrum. Our league is getting so much better in this department.
Met an amazing man today in the
@pdxwinterhawks
media room. 80 year-old Bob Schroeder has been the official scorekeeper at Winterhawks home games for 44 years. His first season was in 1975-76. Amazing dedication to
@TheWHL
. Oh, his penmanship is spectacular.
This is the ‘Tree of Hope’ in Kelowna. I too have plenty of hope moving forward. Merry Christmas to those that follow me on Twitter. I can assure you, better times are ahead. Hope is a healer, a motivator and combats negative thoughts. Hope brings inner peace. Choose - Hope!!
.
@Kelowna_Rockets
franchise history will be made today when Ryan Huska steps behind the Calgary Flames bench. Huska will be the coach - on record - for a win or a loss. To say I'm hoping for a Flames W would be an understatement. Dad, Peter, is watching this one from heaven!
Congratulations to
@Kelowna_Rockets
Nolan Foote on his gold medal for
@HockeyCanada
at World Juniors. Joins a select group of alumni to win gold:
Blake Comeau-2006
Luke Schenn-2008
Jamie Benn/Tyler Myers-2009
Madison Bowey/Josh Morrissey-2015
Cal Foote-2018
Nolan Foote-2020
Merry Christmas to those who follow me on Twitter. Blessed for family, calling games for
@Kelowna_Rockets
and being a part of our great league (
@TheWHL
). Hope I’ve entertained while providing insight on the team I cover. 2019 is going to be crazy good.
Absolutely no shame in Prince Albert Raiders efforts in Halifax. Been there 5 times. Great teams struggle at the event. Majority have hard time after winning emotionally charged Ed Chynoweth Cup. Look for WHL rep to bump the slump next season at 2020 Memorial Cup in Kelowna.
Trust me....we mean no harm. Happy 4th of July to the great American friends I meet every
@TheWHL
season. If you are in Everett, Kent, Portland, Spokane or Tri City, thank you for being you.
I hope those at last nights
@Kelowna_Rockets
game realized what they witnessed. You saw two elite 15 year-old prospects face one another and neither looked out of place.
@blazerhockey
Logan Stankoven is the real deal. Loved his compete. Highly skilled. Awesome passer/skater. (1)
Cole Tisdale sets new
@Kelowna_Rockets
franchise record for youngest goalie to record a win in first WHL start. The 15 year-old makes 23 saves in a 8-4 win over Royals. Now lead Royals by three points for first in BC Division.
It’s a shame Western Conference fans aren’t able to get an up close 👀 viewing of Connor Bedard, but Eastern Conference fans are missing out on
@Kelowna_Rockets
rookie Andrew Cristall’s emergence as a scoring threat.
#sweet16