Professional loud person. Play-by-play voice of the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings. Formerly with Estevan Bruins, PA Raiders. Gym rat on the side.
#CreComm
grad
Six years after the tragic Humboldt Broncos crash one thing I remember about that team was the quiet kindness of coach Darcy Haugan. The sort of man who could make anyone (even a rookie play by play guy) feel appreciated and welcome. The world needs more like him.
#HumboldtStrong
It’s official: after six years in Sask it’s time to come back to the 204. I couldn’t be prouder to be the voice of the Brandon Wheat Kings! The season can’t begin soon enough.
Currently on a conference call with Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab. He just said hockey games will resume in Saskatchewan this month. He did not name any leagues but this is a potentially huge step in the right direction for minor hockey.
It’s official: after four great years in Estevan, I’m joining Pattison Media as the voice of the
@PARaidersHockey
. I’m extremely excited to get started, and while I’m sorry to be leaving I am very thankful for the support I had in Estevan with
@estevanbruins
Like most of Canada I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing a year ago today. We had only just gotten off a bus ourselves from Saskatoon. When I heard what happened to the Humboldt Broncos I felt like I had been slugged in the stomach. Now I’ll never forget that day.
Jets fans, I saw an awful lot (you might even say too much) of this player over the past few seasons. You’ve got a good one here. Wicked shot, sound defensively, and by all accounts a leader.
The irony of this is the Jets handled the expansion draft perhaps the best of any team. Lost hardly any immediate assets. Paid the price for the mistakes 29 other GMs made.
The crazy weather forced the Raiders to stay in Winnipeg overnight and I’ve got to give a shout-out to the staff at the Four Points Sheraton, who jumped through hoops to make sure the players and staff had beds and meals on short notice. Thanks guys.
Six years after graduating
#CreComm
and eight years after our first broadcast we’re on opposite sides of a WHL rivalry. We’ve come a long way,
@NolanKowal
Recall that Chicago, who the Jets have tried to model their development after, lost in five in the WCF their first playoff run. Next year they won their first of 3 cups in 6 seasons.
After my 1st season as voice of the Wheat Kings I’m torn between regret that it’s over and gratitude that this is my honest to goodness job. A huge thank you to players/staff who made coming to the rink such a joy, and fans who offered such nice comments and made me feel welcome
If this is truly the end of the
@sjhl
season it leaves an empty feeling inside. The coaches and players worked hard to follow every protocol the government asked them to and they deserved a better fate than this. I’ll have more to say about the Bruins 20 year olds at a later time
As my first season on the mic in the WHL comes to a close, I want to say a gigantic thank you to
@PARaidersHockey
, their coaches, staff, players, parents, and especially their fans. I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive, enthusiastic, passionate environment. Thank you all!
What do you do on a snowy April night in Winnipeg? Attend a hockey game of course! The
@PARaidersHockey
are taking in the
@NHLJets
game on their unplanned evening in the 204.
Estevan’s Cole Fonstad finished this year with 34 points in 23 games, good for 3rd in the WHL. That leaves him with 281 points in 293 WHL regular season games. So yeah, some NHL franchise should probably give him a call.
My second season in the WHL concludes and I’m reminded how unbelievably fortunate I am to do what I do, and how many people make it possible. Every player, coach, and staff member with
@PARaidersHockey
was a pleasure to work alongside. The fans were second to none. Thank you all!
The Bruins have guaranteed game 3 50/50 at a takehome of $15,000. The funds will go to the families of the Broncos coaching staff. For a rink of 2500 or so that’s a massive guarantee.
A tremendous thank you to
@estevanbruins
for having me as host of their sportsman dinner again, and to
@commie22
and
@ChrisChelios2
for one of the funniest round tables I’ve ever hosted. And of course, a big thank you to everyone who so generously supported the team last night.
While I have a long way to go to catch some of my distinguished colleagues, last night was my 200th regular season game in the WHL. It was all the more special as my parents were there and it came against the team I started my career with. I’m fortunate to have the job I do.
A heartfelt congratulations to
@estevanbruins
on their SJHL championship. That team truly deserves it and, more to the point, so does that city. Raise that banner high boys, and hope you add another soon.
I’d call tonight a statement game by Bruins captain Austin King-Cunningham. Two goals and an assist, good defensive decisions, a couple good hits and no penalty minutes. That’s the game the team knows he can play.
2/4 We might never see a player with Tyson Manz’s work ethic in Estevan again. There was no such thing as a shift off for him. A great penalty killer. What a great player and ambassador for the organization he was.
3/4 I watched Tanner Manz over my three years here grow from a rookie who quickly made himself impossible to take out of the lineup to a top line center that any rookie could look to as an example. Best of luck in whatever is next, Tan Man.
This is one year ago, a neutral site game between
@estevanbruins
and the Notre Dame Hounds. The Midale arena is cold and it was the first broadcast in which I was hit by a puck... and I’d give anything to be going back there tonight.
5 years later, I remember how Darcy Haugen could make everyone feel important to the team, the smile on Jaxon Joseph’s face when he scored his first goal as a Bronco in Melville, the way the hockey world rallied together. I remember the 2017-18 Humboldt Broncos.
#HumboldtStrong
I don’t think I can adequately put into words how I feel on this day. Suffice it to say, my thoughts remain with the family and friends of those who died and those whose lives changed forever three years ago today.
#HumboldtStrong
For
#Avs
fans, Cale Makar looks smooth as glass out there. Beautiful skater, calm passer, hard shooter, and just threw a crushing hip check. Possibly Canada’s best defenseman.
I didn’t think I was going to have to write this for a long time but it was a pleasure to work with
@lewga16
the last three seasons. He helped a rookie play by play guy feel more at ease and was always a pleasure to work with. He’ll be missed in Estevan.
Difficult as the end was I’ve nothing but gratitude for this season for the whole
@estevanbruins
team, the coaching staff led by
@lewga16
and of course for you, the listener. Thanks for tuning in. It’s a good sign when your only regret after a season is that it was over too fast.
Congratulations to former
@estevanbruins
captain Jayden Davis on joining the U of R Cougars for next season. Wonder if he’ll have any more soul-cleaving goals while he’s there.
Opening night is always special but I’ve been anticipating this one more than usual. Hugely excited to get on the mic as voice of the Brandon Wheat Kings for the first time officially! I can’t wait for that puck to drop.
Too late for Thanksgiving, but I’m thankful for two years in this building working with a great group of people. Glad to be able to see some of those people today.
Estevan should hold their heads as high as possible despite the game seven loss. I will never forget this group of young men who deserve the utmost respect for their efforts in these playoffs.
4/4 the captain himself,
@jaydendavis20
. Everything a captain should be. Humble off the ice, dangerous and hard working at both ends on it. Author of the best goal I’ve ever personally called. Your hockey career has plenty left in yet, and I’m glad I was able to see part of it.
That was the wildest, most electric game I’ve ever called. What a pleasure it was to share it with
@pitspals
on the colour, and with 3200+ at the Hauser. Nights like this are why I do this. Now, let’s do it again tomorrow!
I hope a div 1 school was watching
@KijHolt
tonight because that was one of the gutsiest performances you’ll see. Seemingly hurt early, he comes back with two assists and consistent defensive play.
Today’s news just takes the wind out of me. Was it foreseeable? Maybe. Does it suck? Absolutely. I can’t wait for the day I can call
@estevanbruins
hockey again. I have a lot of faith in this group when hockey resumes.
I always enjoyed my talks with Brayden Pachal, he was always a class act. In both Prince Albert and Estevan, he’s very highly spoken of. Terrific to see him make his NHL debut, and in the city closest to his hometown no less.
Well, my first season in the SJHL is in the books and all that’s left to say now is a huge thank you to
@estevanbruins
, the coaching staff led by
@lewga16
, all the players, parents and listeners. Thank you! This was an awesome ride!
This morning,
@PARaidersHockey
unveiled the jersey they’ll be wearing on October 1 against the Oil Kings. It’s part of Orange Shirt Day and my first impression is, wow did they nail this. More to come.
Side note to Nolan’s move to the WHL, he is the second SJHL broadcaster this summer to move to the Dub. A good reminder: development leagues don’t just develop players.
It’s a Saturday night in February and I know there are bigger things happening in the world but I can’t help feeling a little sad I’m not getting ready to call an
@estevanbruins
game right about now.
On my last day at Pattison Media I want to thank everyone who sent me some incredibly kind messages over the last 2 days. From parents and fans to players and coaches, you’ve reminded me how lucky I’ve been in PA. Whoever fills my role here is walking into a wonderful situation
In last night's game against the Chicago Blackhawks, former
@PARaidersHockey
captain Brayden Pachal picked up his first NHL point, assisting on an empty netter by Reilly Smith. Congratulations Brayden! Hope they grabbed you that puck.
It’s no sure thing, but Saskatchewan falling to 60 active cases bodes well for a start to the SJHL season. Especially since at least three teams (Bruins, Red Wings, Ice Wolves) play in regions without active cases.
This
@PARaidersHockey
team is made of sterner stuff. For the second time in a week they come back from multiple goals down to win 6-5 with six different goal scorers. This team deserves to play in front of a packed barn tomorrow night the way they’re playing.
Here’s a stat for
@estevanbruins
fans and one I’m not sure I’ve ever seen in any league. Bruins go 2-for-2 on the penalty kill and score shorthanded both times. They also went 2-for-2 on the PP. A perfect special teams game.
As always it was a pleasure to chat with Austin King-Cunningham today, and to introduce him as captain of the
@estevanbruins
. People who are around the team know how much he means to that group and he’ll do well in the role.
Nate reached out and asked us if he could send a message to the fans that had supported him through his career. As I said, all class. Wheat Kings fans are sorry to see him go but proud of what he accomplished here and he’ll always be a Wheat King.
Wheat Kings fans, Nate Danielson has one last message for you as he moves on to the next stop in his hockey career. 🫡 Nate! Once a Wheat King, always a Wheat King!
#bwk4life
Big news for
@estevanbruins
as they announce a 3-year contract extension for head coach and GM
@lewga16
. The last three seasons in a row he’s led the Bruins to a division title. Looking forward to seeing his success in the next three..
Only one player in the WHL has 70 points or more in each of the last three seasons. That’s Cole Fonstad. To understate it a little, this is a good get.
WELCOME HOME!!! 😁🏒🐻
The Estevan Bruins are thrilled to announce that the hometown kid, Cole Fonstad ('00), has signed with the club and will play the start of the 2020/21
@theSJHL
regular season in Estevan!
#GoBruinsGo
#SJHL
@cole_fonstad
Sloan Stanick are you actually kidding me???? A between-the-legs overtime winner just up the road from his hometown gives the Raiders the extra point and the 4-3 win. Wow. What a moment. Evan Herman (2) and Niall Crocker have the other Raiders goals.
I certainly hope this is not how the hockey season ends. The players, especially the 20-year-olds, deserved a better ending. But if it is, it’s been a genuine pleasure bringing you all the
@estevanbruins
action. Hope to be back on the call soon!
The
@theSJHL
community ambassador team was announced today and, surprising nobody in Estevan, Johnny Witzke is the Bruins representative. Well deserved, Johnny.
It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten to say this, but the
@estevanbruins
are back in action tonight and I’m back on the call on
@Rock106FM
. Tune in at 7:20 to hear the pregame show, 7:30 puck drop for their preseason game against Weyburn.
Calder Anderson was kind enough to take some time to talk with me about his simple yet heroic (and almost certainly life-saving) act. You can hear the full conversation on our second intermission tonight. The Wheat Kings should be proud of the caliber of people they’re developing
Four members of the
@bdnwheatkings
— Calder Anderson, Jake Chiasson, Nolan Ritchie and Ben Thornton — helped talk a distressed man off of a bridge earlier this week.
I’d have been thrilled as a kid to get to step into a WHL press box and see how the radio guys did it. Glad I got to give some future broadcasters that chance tonight!
I don’t think I could possibly say everything that needed to be said about the graduating group of 20-year-olds for the
@estevanbruins
in a tweet. Did my best in an article instead.
Today was my first time broadcasting a game since November 21. That may be the longest break of my career. Thanks to everyone who stuck it out with me. It felt very good to be back. Now, here’s to a full, uninterrupted season.
On a personal level, the trade of Carson Latimer is one of the toughest I've covered. A tremendous young man who lights up a room and has a way of leaving a positive impression on everyone he meets. Best of luck in Winnipeg, Lats. You'll always be the Mayor of Prince Albert.
The Mustangs are sad to announce the passing of Defenceman Dylan Ashe. From our entire organization we would like to send our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Ashe family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 💙💚
I’ve been waiting a long time to say this but not as long as
@PARaidersHockey
fans have waited to hear it: it’s opening night in the WHL. Raiders and Pats tonight at the Art Hauser at 7:00. The pregame show starts at 6:30 on
@CKBI
. Let’s go!
If you ask
@estevanbruins
head coach and GM Jason Tatarnic about return to play, he’ll say “I’ll exhaust every option that I can.” And he’ll get the chance to as he’s been in talks with the provincial government on the league’s behalf.
One last Sunday evening before the hockey season officially starts (and a beautiful evening at that) deserves a little something special. Here’s to another hockey season, folks. Can’t wait to share the stories it will bring.
1️⃣ YEAR AGO 😧🤩🥳
March 24th, 2019 - Affinity Place
Game 7 SJHL Quarterfinals
Humboldt Broncos vs Estevan Bruins
At 4:54 of OT...cue Tristyn Deroose! 🚨
Still get chills...
#SJHL
#GoBruinsGo
A tough day at the office. I want to thank Nate for being all class in all of our interactions and for giving me some of the most memorable moments to call in my first season with the Wheat Kings. Wishing him all the best as he goes to Portland to pursue a championship.
🚨TRADE ALERT🚨: The Wheat Kings have traded Nate Danielson to the Portland Winterhawks in exchange for forward Nicholas Johnson, defenseman Rhett Ravndahl, a first round pick in 2025 and 2027, and a fifth round pick in 2026. READ MORE:
Some more good news for
@theSJHL
fans in today’s provincial news release. There are no longer active cases in the central-east region. Both Melville and Yorkton are there. By my reckoning, at least six teams play in regions with no active cases. Total active cases are down to 44.
A real pleasure to be part of
@PARaidersHockey
banquet last night. All members of the organization have made me feel extremely welcome so far. And I must say, it was nice to be at an actual event again!
With his first period goal, Landon Kosior now has more career goals than any other 2002-born defenseman in the WHL with 34. When you look at the names on that list, you realize what a remarkable journey it’s been for an undrafted player. Well done Landon!
So
@estevanbruins
do what no other team has done in the playoffs and earn a split in Nipawin. They’ll hear back home for what will be the best crowd in SJHL history at Affinity Place on Tuesday.
Giving Cole Fonstad this much time and space is not a winning formula, as his former junior opponents can attest. Congratulations to the former Raider on his first.
Ok the Bruins came out on the losing end but a 7-6 overtime game is the type a broadcaster dreams of calling. I love this job. Today was a vivid reminder I’m lucky to do it.
So Cole Fonstad has signed an ATO with
@monstershockey
. A quick stat that Monsters fans might find interesting about their new forward: he is the only player in the WHL to put up at least 70 points in each of the last three full seasons. Would surely have made it four this year.
An exciting day for
@EstevanBears
as they get their first player signings. The team will have some local flair as Estevan native Jackson Miller will be between the pipes.
Congratulations to
@PARaidersHockey
defenseman Terrell Goldsmith on being a fourth round pick of the Arizona Coyotes! A major milestone on his NHL journey passed, and now the real work begins. Good luck Goldy!
I’m told
@estevanbruins
are down to a handful of single seats for game three and running low on game four as well. Standing room tickets are available.
@theSJHL
Huge congratulations to former Raiders captain Nolan Allan on a WHL championship with Seattle. What a year it’s been for him. A World Junior gold, a league title, and perhaps one more trophy yet. Seattle looks strong as an ox on steroids going into the Memorial Cup.