Great news for those watching a lot of games on TV, though really unsurprising, as Kerr and Simmer are likely the lowest on the totem pole for Canadian regional broadcasters. (yes, even Edmonton...Quinn has done pro level PBP for well over a decade, and Debrusk is a wash with Simmer). You have to figure a lot of CBC guys (PBP and otherwise) are jumping over in the next couple months and that the Calgary duo would be the first ones pushed out.
Kerr was in over his head for play by play at this level. To cover for that, he relied in getting through broadcasts on his solid NHL preparation. However, that alone couldn't cover up for the lack of the professionalism of experience in properly executing the mechanics of delivery. Far too often getting caught behind the play (stuck in a prepared story) and because of that, and also because of just lack of pro level experience, he was not able to properly convey the "feeling" and flow of the game with his voice. The whole broadcast seemed scattered...sometimes awkward, sometimes confusing, and in general just made it a chore to listen to...made worse if you had it on in the background, and trying to get an idea of when you should turn your head to watch the screen because there was something building.
Pre-Kerr, Simmer was ok...but it was clear that Kerr needed some help in preventing dead air given his inexperience, and to help bridge him in jumping between stories, so it meant Simmer had to talk more to fill that space...and more Simmer wasn't good at all. "Pucks to the net" and "feet moving" (or lackthereof) was the analysis for 60% of the plays. Constant repeating the same cliches, whether they best described what was happening or not, and getting off on tangents, had many tune him out.
Hopefully they both land in the increased SN coverage; if each team gets a magazine style weekly show, or pregame show, for sure Kerr should be the one preparing the stats and tidbits for that, and delivering that.
Hopefully out of the this (as lack of news is good news) is that Roger sticks around in his role, or maybe a more prominent one on the upgraded broadcasts next year. Not 100% sure what went on with the Loubardias hire a few years back, with Millions staying on and a reduced role, but appears to be some behind the scenes politics as happens in all workplaces, but glad that Millions doesn't appear to be part of the changes next year.
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