I’m a firm believer in measured excitement. In fact, previous articles on Sportscaster Life have focused on keeping your cool on air, and not being a homer for your team. But as with most things, there is a time and a place for a certain level of excitement, and completely losing yourself in the moment of calling a game…after all, if you’re losing your head, chances are your audience is too.
This aspect of sportscasting has been on full display the last few days during the National Hockey League playoff series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins. A series that went the distance with Boston getting a 7-4 win in game 7 on home ice. Both game 6 in Toronto, and game 7 in Boston provided some memorable moments in the booth, with thankfully Toronto’s host broadcaster (Rogers) and Boston’s TV station (NESN) setting up some behind the scenes cameras to catch the Maple Leafs’ Joe Bowen, and the Bruins’ Jack Edwards do their thing.
First, Joe Bowen from the Toronto Maple Leafs gets caught up in the excitement of a game 6 win (the golden moment starts at 0:55).
The #Leafs are going to Boston, baby!
Relive all the best moments from Game 6 with legendary broadcaster Joe Bowen. pic.twitter.com/qqMYSu9RIO
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 24, 2018
Then a few nights later, Jack Edwards does Jack Edwards things during game 7.
https://twitter.com/bruinshockeynow/status/989336485529882624
Of course, for Edwards, this isn’t the first time he’s epitomized excitement. A polarizing figure in broadcasting and sports, Edwards was in fine form against the Maple Leafs a few years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NVmIsUtAv8
While Edwards sometimes might cross that line, there’s no question he’s one of the best prepped sportscasters out there.
