What a debut season for PBP Jon Abbott

[jayswin]

I was gutted when we found out Rick Ball was leaving as he's one of the best we've ever had here in Calgary. I was also very worried about who we'd get to replace him, and knew absolutely nothing of Jon Abbott.

After his first season I can say I'm a huge fan of his and really glad he's our new play by play announcer. Wonderful cadence, delivery and flow. Also very knowledgeable and ahead of the play. I honestly don't notice much difference between him and Rick Ball.

[Paulie Walnuts]

I don’t know maybe in the minority but he was just ok. How do you miss the tip by Parekh yesterday and call it Coleman’s goal.

Maybe I’m being a bit harsh because Ball set a bar that cannot be touched imo.

[chummer]

He was great, young guy too so should be around for years.

Would like to see more of Meaghan Mikkelson too.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by chummer

He was great, young guy too so should be around for years.

Would like to see more of Meaghan Mikkelson too.

Was just coming to say this.

[nieuwy-89]

I thought he was great. And yeah I would love Abott-Mikkleson as the regular team with Kelly subbing in every 3rd game or so.

Sportsnet production quality is far from perfect but the Flames broadcast crew is top notch.

My other ask would be to let the camera linger for like 30 seconds to watch the players post game celebrations (after wins) and show the 3 stars!

[PugnaciousIntern]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

I don’t know maybe in the minority but he was just ok. How do you miss the tip by Parekh yesterday and call it Coleman’s goal.

Maybe I’m being a bit harsh because Ball set a bar that cannot be touched imo.

I don't think many will disagree about Ball being amazing.

However Abbott didn't make me long for Ball back. Sure he's imperfect, PBP is never 100% correct, however he was quick to admit when he was wrong. Some PBP are completely out in left field on a play, and never reconsider or admit that they were wrong. I never once felt that with Abbott. It was like watching a game with an informed buddy

[Enoch Root]

Thought he had a good rookie season and I hope he continues to improve.

Would love to see MM become the full time colour person - they would be a great combo

[Funkhouser]

I like him.
Good cadence and a non-annoying voice. Doesn’t come off too homerish.

I was worried after losing Ball, but we got lucky with a good replacement.

[TheScorpion]

Thought Abbott did a solid job. Thankless to step into Ball's shoes but he certainly had his moments. Enjoyed his calls, especially considering he didn't really have one consistent partner throughout the season like most PBPs too — he had a rotating cast of like 5 or 6 (partially for the worst possible reasons). Overall I'd say he had a successful first season in Calgary.

[camm13]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

I don’t know maybe in the minority but he was just ok. How do you miss the tip by Parekh yesterday and call it Coleman’s goal.

Maybe I’m being a bit harsh because Ball set a bar that cannot be touched imo.

Was watching it on ESPN, and it was also initially called Coleman's goal also till they saw the replay.

[camm13]

Guy loves to dig deep

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by camm13

Guy loves to dig deep

he does need to drop that cliche

[Paulie Walnuts]

Originally Posted by PugnaciousIntern

I don't think many will disagree about Ball being amazing.

However Abbott didn't make me long for Ball back. Sure he's imperfect, PBP is never 100% correct, however he was quick to admit when he was wrong. Some PBP are completely out in left field on a play, and never reconsider or admit that they were wrong. I never once felt that with Abbott. It was like watching a game with an informed buddy

Yeah I think it’s just that we had Ball for 10 years and he’s as good as it gets so hard to replace and that’s me being difficult on Abbott.

It will probably get better next year.

[Toonage]

This may sound strange but he’s immediately comfortable and familiar to me and that’s exactly what I wanted out of a PBP announcer

[CsInMyBlood]

Rick Ball is so good in so many ways it's hard to compare but at least Abbott is decent.

[bob-loblaw]

Originally Posted by nieuwy-89

I thought he was great. And yeah I would love Abott-Mikkleson as the regular team with Kelly subbing in every 3rd game or so.

Sportsnet production quality is far from perfect but the Flames broadcast crew is top notch.

My other ask would be to let the camera linger for like 30 seconds to watch the players post game celebrations (after wins) and show the 3 stars!

If a sponsor paid to show the three stars, you bet they'd show it. I'm actually surprised they don't. I grew up in Edmonton and I think Molson sponsored the three stars. Each player got points for being a star and there was a monthly award to the player and an award to the season winner.

[Slanter]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

I don’t know maybe in the minority but he was just ok. How do you miss the tip by Parekh yesterday and call it Coleman’s goal.

Maybe I’m being a bit harsh because Ball set a bar that cannot be touched imo.

Maybe because wtf (in a good way!) was Parekh doing tipping in a point shot from Coleman's kitchen?

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by chummer

He was great, young guy too so should be around for years.

Would like to see more of Meaghan Mikkelson too.

Is Mikkelson taking over Millen's spot, or was she just selected to fill in until they sort it out?

Anyway, I like Mikkelson as well. For someone still a little newer to broadcasting, she fits in really well. There have certainly been other ex-athletes turned broadcaster that take longer to progress. It often takes years for them to find their voice.

[chummer]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

Is Mikkelson taking over Millen's spot, or was she just selected to fill in until they sort it out?

Anyway, I like Mikkelson as well. For someone still a little newer to broadcasting, she fits in really well. There have certainly been other ex-athletes turned broadcaster that take longer to progress. It often takes years for them to find their voice.

Not sure FA, I guess we'll find out next season. Her analysis was great, she articulated her points well and she didn't speak in cliches like a certain CC. Not sure Hrudey is going anywhere but a combination of the two would suit me fine.

[dino7c]

Great first season