Derek Wills - like or dislike?

[tomo]

The new Flames play by play man on Sportsnet just isn't doing it for me. I don't live in Calgary anymore and I try to listen to the game on the radio bur, unfortunately I have stopped listening to the Flames broadcast. I now stream the opposing teams broadcast because of the vocal delivery of Derek Wills. It's like a more annoying version of Ned Flanders.

Does anyone else feel the same way?

I really miss Peter Maher.

[Cheese]

I think both the radio and TV personalities this year are excellent. The best weve had in years.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by Cheese

I think both the radio and TV personalities this year are excellent. The best weve had in years.

No. Maher was excellent.

Out of the gate : "tonight!"

The excitement started right off the hop

[thymebalm]

I think he sounds a little too much like Kermit the Frog for my liking. But he's not bad, and I think he'll settle in nicely as he gets a better rapport with P.L.

[krazycanuck]

hard to compare a guy in first season as an NHL broadcaster to a vet like Maher. On tradition alone Peter' voice is Flames hockey.

That being said, Derek is a solid 7/10. Calls a game very similar to Peter, but perhaps not quite as into it... I would guess that will come with time as well.

[taco.vidal]

Ive been meaning to start a thread on this for a while now.

He is growing on me. ID probably give him a 6 or 7 right now. You can tell he is new at this level which is fine because every broadcaster starts with zero NHL games experience.

His voice is unique. To me he sounds like a Simpsons character. I can't pinpoint whose voice exact it reminds me of me of though.

I think having Loubo with his cartoon voice as a sidekick doesn't do Willis any favours. If you caught a clip of them talking without knowing who they were, you would think it was a comedy skit or a cartoon impression.

I think Willis will get better with experience and will grow on people as well. Hopefully he gets a new sidekick in the future.

Originally Posted by thymebalm

I think he sounds a little too much like Kermit the Frog for my liking. But he's not bad, and I think he'll settle in nicely as he gets a better rapport with P.L.

[StrykerSteve]

I like him. He's doing a good job.

[SeeGeeWhy]

I thought I'd never be able to move on from peters calls, but I still really enjoy the duo we have on the radio this year. Put me in the love column.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

I just love it when he talks about the "cooter".

Wills is fine. Tough job replacing a legend and our fan base is famously impatient and especially tough on broadcasting teams. When I've listened I've been totally fine with him. He'll grow over time too and become a great broadcaster. He has all the tools, just needs to refine them.

[Rick M.]

I think he and Loubo make a great team. I like it when he says "the Flames are skating from right to left on your radio".

[locsofblu]

Im not impressed at all. He just doesnt have that voice but im sure he can do a he'll of a Kermit the frog impression though. I very much miss Peter Maher. Although Im enjoying lombardious a lot more than when he was the play by play guy on SN west.

[T@T]

Not a fan, calls the game OK I guess but his voice reminds me of rubbing styrofoam together.

[BigT112]

I think he's doing great!! Takes some time to get used to someone other than Peter Maher but I think Wills had benn fine and will only get better.

[GioforPM]

He inspires neither love nor hate in me. He obviously is no Maher at the moment, and though he might become as close to the team over time and get the knowledge of Maher about the Flames and the NHL in general, he won't have the power in his voice ever.

That said, he's much better than Mark Stephen. And he seems to have a sense of humour.

[Resolute 14]

I like Wills, but he is stepping into the almost no-win scenario of trying to replace a legend. He is doing alright, but some of his mannerisms are hard to get used to.

One thing that did bug me last night was how he missed the first minute of the game because he had to get through all of the promos and advertising. Not necessarily his fault though. The sponsors demand it, and his producer was probably late getting them back from commercial.

[Erick Estrada]

Hate is a really strong word when describing a guy that's just doing his job trying to make a living. I personally don't mind him as while his voice isn't as strong as Maher's he keeps up with the play well and is good with the names. I also think he and Loubardias have good chemistry.

[Burke Salad]

I would actually prefer Loubardias doing the call of the game. Wills did move across the country for this job, so we should give him a chance.

[Flames89]

Love or hate are the only options?

I say he is doing fine. Can't replace a legend. Give him 3 years to work into it.

[Clever_Iggy]

With all the tributes leading up to Maher's retirement I listened to clips from his days back in Toronto and his first years here in Calgary. The calls and Maher's voice reminded me of Wills. It's going to take some more seasoning, time working with Loubo, getting to know the team and ultimately, becoming a fan of the Flames. I think he's doing fine and Flames fans are lucky to have him and Ball.

[Arya Stark]

Nm.