When Pete would start a broadcast, he knew how to set a stage. Wills is reading a phone book.
When he's actually calling the play, he's alright. When he talks to Loubardias, it's awful. When he talks to anyone, it's awful. Without exaggeration, I have never heard Derek Wills say anything insightful. He might parrot back other things other hosts having said on air earlier, but he does not possess original thoughts. If he does, he's awful at articulating them. He has an awful radio personality. Which is kind of a problem for a radio pBp man.
Rick and Kelly make you feel like they're right there in the bar with you. They feel like friends. Peter Maher felt like a family member. Good, not even great, just good announcers invite you to experience the game.
I don't feel anything except irritation when I listen to Derek Wills call hockey games.
There are 70 podunk towns with major junior franchises where Wills can be average at best. This is the NHL.
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