[News] Rick Ball leaves Flames broadcasts for Chicago

[bzoo02]

If it's Singh, fine.......As long as he fixes his Kadrlrlrlrliiii. Just pronounce it how the player does.

[Paulie Walnuts]

The issue with the PBP people is that they believe they are the star of the show, that's why people like Ball are amazing. They just call the game perfectly and add to it with genuine excitement.

The newer guys need to take over the game, like that guy in Edmonton who screams all the time, or Singh who mispronounces names on purpose even though he was told to stop.

[Yeah_Baby]

Originally Posted by Lonestar

What about Pinder? He did radio PBP in the AHL (although it's been a minute), he's pretty well spoken and objective when it comes to the Flames so not overtly homer-esq.

Yeah, it's been a minute.

I always felt like him moving the 960 was one of those fork in the road moments for pursuing that lane of broadcasting.

[smithtofuhr86]

Originally Posted by bzoo02

If it's Singh, fine.......As long as he fixes his Kadrlrlrlrliiii. Just pronounce it how the player does.

I wonder if it even works for him to be honest. In some of the stories he has been in, it's clear that he has 2 young kids, his wife is a teacher so even though it would probably be a dream job for him & if he is in the running, I wonder if he turns it down because he will be in & out of the house from October to April and those of us that are parents and especially have kids know that is a crucial time where your family (especially kids school & activities) need you around and he seems to be a family first kind of guy but who knows, money talks I guess.

Agreed with other comments on Loubo. You got to think he has moved on, from both Sportsnet and living away from his family.

According to Ball on Flames talk he expects it to be a highly contested position with lots of candidates interested.

[DoubleK]

Originally Posted by Royle9

Some names tossed around as Balls replacement:

Sadly I’m a bit scared, we were spoiled by Ball, so glad Sportsnet f’d that up!

Wills
Loubardius
Brad Curle (voice of the Hitmen)
Cam Moon (Red Deer Rebels)
Brendan Batchleor (radio voice Canucks)

Batchelor would be excellent

[Mango]

Originally Posted by Derek Sutton

I would like to see Derek Wills go to the TV gig and Brad Curle promoted Flames Radio play x play. Curle deserves a NHL shot and is better then both Singh and Pursina (who I cannot stand).

My last name is actually spelled Prusina.

Rick Ball moving on from this market is a tremendous loss, and the Sportsnet role will certainly go to a deserving broadcaster with plenty of NHL PxP experience.

[butterfly]

Originally Posted by DoubleK

Batchelor would be excellent

I think he’s horrible. He tried to copy Shorthouse who came up with his own style.

[howard_the_duck]

Originally Posted by transplant99

He simply is not good enough...hell...he isnt even "good".

If thats what happens.....i will be synching Wills or the OOT crew to the SN broadcast.

Unlistenable IMO.

Syncing Wills. That is a first.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by Mango

My last name is actually spelled Prusina.

Rick Ball moving on from this market is a tremendous loss, and the Sportsnet role will certainly go to a deserving broadcaster with plenty of NHL PxP experience.

Agree that Ball moving on is a tremendous loss. I really feel that Sportsnet missed the boat on him, and he will shine and be appreciated in Chicago.

Have to say, I like your work and the hits I’ve heard. Thoughtful, insightful and well spoken. Your passion shows. Keep it up.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Mango

My last name is actually spelled Prusina.

Rick Ball moving on from this market is a tremendous loss, and the Sportsnet role will certainly go to a deserving broadcaster with plenty of NHL PxP experience.

If they want you to call Team Canada soccer games...I'll sign a petition!

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Mango

My last name is actually spelled Prusina.

Rick Ball moving on from this market is a tremendous loss, and the Sportsnet role will certainly go to a deserving broadcaster with plenty of NHL PxP experience.

And...from the clips I've heard of your calls, I think you're pretty good!

[GioforPM]

Ball is a big loss. But then again, I'd never heard of him before he came here, so who knows how the next one will be.

[jayswin]

I thought Rick Ball was quite well known and doing a ton of national games on CBC when he came here and a lot of fans were pumped we got him regionally? That's how I remember it anyways.

[jayswin]

Yeah, just looking it up he was

-5 years Kelowna Rockets games

-Started filling in for Jim Hughson in 2001, also joining the Team 1040 doing an afternoon show

- Then 2004 to 2008 calling BC Lions games

- 2008 to 2011 fill in guy for John Shorthouse

- 2011 Winnipeg Jets PBP guy for CBC

- 2013 national PBP guy for western games on HNIC.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by jayswin

I thought Rick Ball was quite well known and doing a ton of national games on CBC when he came here and a lot of fans were pumped we got him regionally? That's how I remember it anyways.

I can only speak for myself. He was new to me. According to the interwebs he did CBC games for Winnipeg and before that subbed on Canucks games. I guess he did western games starting about 10 years ago, so I suppose that's when I thought of him as a Flames guy.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I can only speak for myself. He was new to me. According to the interwebs he did CBC games for Winnipeg and before that subbed on Canucks games. I guess he did western games starting about 10 years ago, so I suppose that's when I thought of him as a Flames guy.

Yeah, it's too bad I don't think we can search that far back on CP to see what the reaction was like. I'd be interested to revisit.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by jayswin

Yeah, it's too bad I don't think we can search that far back on CP to see what the reaction was like. I'd be interested to revisit.

It’d have been a bit different - he wasn’t replacing anyone we would have thought was that great.

[curves2000]

He was definitely known without a doubt, did Calgary Flames games and was a fill in guy for a lot of CBC HNIC games. Before Sportsnet had the national rights, CBC would air pretty much the entire playoff series with Canadian broadcasters and he did a lot of playoffs. When he got the Flames full time gig I was pumped.

[Goriders]

Sitting at the airport waiting for a flight to Denver. Next gate is heading to Chicago. The Rick Ball is in line heading to the windy city.

[McG]

Originally Posted by Goriders

Sitting at the airport waiting for a flight to Denver. Next gate is heading to Chicago. The Rick Ball is in line heading to the windy city.

Follow him into the bathroom. Just like days of yore. It’s the CP thing to do.