Derek Wills - like or dislike?

[moncton golden flames]

I do not hate Mr. Wills, but I certainly don't like him.

I don't get the sense that he knows hockey really well, rather he just happens to be an OK play by play guy. I honestly am starting to not listen to his segments, they're boring and repetitive. I think he rambled on about "scorers need to score, point producers need to produce points" for 3 days. I'm sorry, but if I want to hear the same old lines day in and day out, I'll dig in to the archive and listen to the show over and over again.

The hardest job to be hired for is replacing a legend. I am hoping Wills is a few year stop gap until they can find someone better.

[bluck]

Not a fan. If he were to get a bit more into it or "excited" so to say I think that would go along way.

[Deelow]

Has anyone done the Hamilton drinking game yet? Every time he says "Hamilton" take a shot. Wasted by the second period. Other than that, he's doing a good job considering the shoes he has to fill.

[cKy]

Originally Posted by 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".

The Boston Radio guys have been doing it for years, I think it's a great way to pave the visual in your head while you are driving home from work and listening.

[GreenLantern2814]

I think Wills is a pretty decent PBP guy.

As a radio personality, having to interview players, talk with other hosts, or even banter with Loubo, he's really tough to listen to.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Given peoples general disposition to not liking change, and given the fact that Peter was a hall of famer and one of the best there ever was, it's really shocking that people aren't enjoying Wills as much?

He's not bad though, and people are simply going to have to give it time as well to get used to him.

[mccalgary71]

I like him so far. He is far superior to the new guy in Vancouver. That guy is horrribbllle.


Posted from Calgarypuck.com App for Android

[Nammer403]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

Given peoples general disposition to not liking change, and given the fact that Peter was a hall of famer and one of the best there ever was
.

Agree,
I like Wills though it does take time to get used to change so Im sure we will all be used to it in a few seasons

[Fire]

Flames fans have been spoiled with Peter Maher. Wills is no Maher but is a very solid PBP guy. Saying that I'm not a big fan of his goal calls. He doesn't bring out the excitement like Pete did.

[CaptainCrunch]

This is just a terrific thread.

[Grimbl420]

I can't stand his voice. That said, there's absolutely nothing wrong with his PBP.

[Iggy3x]

I think he is getting better over time. Every PBP person has his own unique way of calling the game. Over time, this uniqueness becomes part of the team. Peter Maher certainly has his. Another good example is NY Yankees current radio voice John sterling. Wills calls the game as it should be, may not be as refined as Pete, but I think he will be good. I personally have no complaintsabout the PBP transition this year.

[djsFlames]

Like. He's enjoyable to listen to. I've found myself tuning in to the radio feed more than I thought I would.

[St. Pats]

I've been so pleased by the HUGE upgrade on the TV duo that I haven't even noticed that much about the radio broadcast. He is replacing a legend so he deserves some time and he already seems more than competent. But the difference on the TV is awesome, from crap to excellent.

[Mister Yamoto]

I like him and hope that he makes it.

I think that the biggest obstacle for him is that Rogers is quickly developing a reputation of treating good people like crap. Especially in Radio.

[HartAttack]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern2814

I think Wills is a pretty decent PBP guy.

As a radio personality, having to interview players, talk with other hosts, or even banter with Loubo, he's really tough to listen to.

I couldn't agree more. His PBP work is unique and it keeps me engaged. His words are a bit too enunciated for me and it doesn't always flow well, but maybe that will change with experience.

As for the radio personality bit - I find him to be absolutely terrible! He very much comes across as cocky and demeaning while talking with other hosts. I find myself getting mad at him and just want him to shut-up while he repeatedly tries to make his point with Kerr and others.

[nik-]

I think he's just fine. We were never going to get another Maher. Wills is more than capable.

[Arya Stark]

Originally Posted by moncton golden flames

I do not hate Mr. Wills, but I certainly don't like him.

I don't get the sense that he knows hockey really well, rather he just happens to be an OK play by play guy. I honestly am starting to not listen to his segments, they're boring and repetitive. I think he rambled on about "scorers need to score, point producers need to produce points" for 3 days. I'm sorry, but if I want to hear the same old lines day in and day out, I'll dig in to the archive and listen to the show over and over again.

The hardest job to be hired for is replacing a legend. I am hoping Wills is a few year stop gap until they can find someone better.

This. He repeats his stories so much and says the same things over and over. I think he's got to realize most fan960 listeners listen a lot so its likely they've heard your story or stats or whatever several times.

Frankly it seems he doesn't always come prepared.

[JonDuke]

I don't like how he emphasizes the "oo" in Gaudreau. Goo-dro
Otherwise, he's ok, I guess. No Maher, but those are tough shoes to fill.

[Gaudfather]

His voice needs some getting used to - somewhere between shrill and nasal. But given he has no Flames history I think he has worked pretty hard to come up the curve on the team and it's past. He and Loubo seem to be an effective pairing.

From his morning segments on the Fan 960 I sometimes get the impression that Boomer doesn't really like him - not sure why.

Also Derek's smirk on his twitter pic makes me want to smack him for some reason. Maybe that's what bugs Boomer.