What a debut season for PBP Jon Abbott

[N-E-B]

Agreed with everything. Sportsnet didn’t use Rick to his full potential. He should have been their #1 national guy.

Also agreed that Abbott did a great job. Those were big shoes to fill and while he wasn’t Rick Ball he was definitely good to listen to. We’ve come a long way since the Rob Kerr days.

[Snuffleupagus]

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.

Everyone missed it except you apparently, Cassie Campbell on the American broadcast thought it was Colemans too, so did I and I'm sure most others watching.

[combustiblefuel]

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.

If I were to guess Milliens funeral was on the same day as the game so I suspect Hrudey was there .

MM was fine but So was Cassie Cambell here first year or 2 before she got bad. I'm a jaded fella so I want to wait and see. I remember we all loved her at first then it went sideways.

As for Abbott he was okay. I'd say 50 % of the time he was behind the play like the speed of an NHL was a bit much for him in the first year. Like say hubby made a pas to the d and they passed it between each other to a 4th player you'd hear Hubey passed it to the 4th player in the player evennthon3 players in between played the puck already. I'd say he gets a passing mark for year 1 but at times reminded me of Rob kerr and to a lesser extent millions at times. Good first year and hopefully skakes the lesser tangible off of the aforementioned pop of the past.

[calumniate]

Originally Posted by combustiblefuel

Like say hubby made a pas to the d and they passed it between each other to a 4th player you'd hear Hubey passed it to the 4th player in the player evennthon3 players in between played the puck already. I'd say he gets a passing mark for year 1 but at times reminded me of Rob kerr and to a lesser extent millions at times. Good first year and hopefully skakes the lesser tangible off of the aforementioned pop of the past.

Kinda glad you're not our pbp!

[the-rasta-masta]

He was pretty good, not a bad first season. I liked his voice and and he seems like a great guy. Only thing I can offer is that I felt there were often times him and Hrudey would seemingly miss what actually happened on the ice, even as we were watching replays back we’re still talking about a tip or a penalty that was clearly not what actually occured.

[Southside]

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.

She is doing colour for the Jets series with TNT. Tonight anyway...

[taxbuster]

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 never.

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!

fyp

[DeluxeMoustache]

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.

lol, do you like anything?


He was a pleasant surprise, couldn’t ask for a better PBP guy, especially after being spoiled with Rick Ball

[Calgary4LIfe]

I thought that he has been an obvious step-down from Ball, but that isn't the dig that it seems. Ball is top 5 in the league from my listening. Abbott has also noticeably improved as the season went on. I remember the first few games I thought: "Ok, not Ball, but definitely not bad either. I am 100% fine with this." He only got better. In a few more seasons, it wouldn't surprise me to see him thought about as one of the best and a guy we will hate to lose.


Flames had their fair share of really awesome talents in the broadcasting booth, and some really not so awesome talents (to put it politely). I was worried the Flames would end up with the latter, but they definitely hired the right guy.

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by Southside

She is doing colour for the Jets series with TNT. Tonight anyway...

She's the ice-level reporter. Botterill is doing colour.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by D as in David

She's the ice-level reporter. Botterill is doing colour.

they should reverse them

[FanIn80]

Yeah, I thought for sure we were gonna get stuck with some high-pitched, nasally sounding college intern. Either that or some snet exec's brother in law, etc etc etc.

I have to say I was beyond happy right from the very first game. I like Abbott, and hope he's here now for the long haul!

[Ferarri]

Thought Jon did a fantastic job in his first season. Really brought a good delivery to the games and was placed in a tough position being Ball’s replacement. Honestly, can’t ask for much better. I’m glad he shows a high degree of professionalism unlike Jack Michaels up north.

[Gallick]

I was really bummed to lose Rick Ball and Jon softened that blow in a big way this season. Pretty impressive for his first season at this level. Hope he sticks around a long time.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Lol at Ball leaving for the smoldering trainwreck that is the Blackhawks. Have fun with that bro.

Abbott has been solid. Seamless fit.

[combustiblefuel]

Originally Posted by calumniate

Kinda glad you're not our pbp!

Me too!

[Cowboy89]

Originally Posted by 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

Not strange at all. Familiarity and comfort are pretty key for the soundtrack of your favorite team. In the same way that Dan Shulman's voice signifies to me light warm summer evenings with the Blue Jays game on in the background, I was impressed with how quickly Jon's call became that for cozy winter evenings in front of the fireplace watching the Flames. Good work Jon!

This thread is refreshing, usually we're nitpicky on media. Glad to see people throw some recognition Jon's way. The world would be a better place if people were told more when they are appreciated!

[dissentowner]

I thought he was great. Not much different than Ball honestly.

[zukes]

Originally Posted by camm13

Guy loves to dig deep

The puck is “knuckling” several times a game too, but all in all, way better than I’d hoped after losing Ball

[Freeway]

Jon brought donuts to exit interview day. So in addition to being good at commentary, he has that going for him.