I just realized that now that this will be Bob Cole's final season for HNIC, it may possibly mean that Rick Ball would actually do HNIC games for SN and/or City. I mean Ball did both Pittsburgh series (vs. Philly and Washington) last spring with Greg Millen and I've seen a bunch of good feedback about his work which may increase his chances of being promoted. Which means by fall of 2019, HNIC's play-by-play lineup will be composed of Hughson, Randorf, Bartlett, and Ball.
Now, there a few questions that I've been wanting to know: Who do you think will be the Calgary Flames' newest play-by-play commentator for the 2019-20 season? Or would he be like Bartlett doing both assignments?
At the risk of being the pot calling the kettle black -- I think this thread is a little premature.
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I'm surprised that Ball isn't already more national and feel lucky we have him and Hrudey for our play-by-play. Top to beat Rick Ball, Kelly Hrudey and Ryan Leslie for any broadcast team.
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We really are spoiled with Rick and Kelly. Most regional broadcast teams really suck, especially on Sportsnet. I selfishly hope Rick Ball continues to be our hidden gem.
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It's ridiculous that Randorf calls national games on HNIC and not Ball.
Ball is miles better than Randorf and it's not even about the blatant homerism of Randorf. Ball just sounds better, follows the play better, recognizes the players.
Not sure if it's some weird politics going on where Randorf has more friends at HNIC.
Both Randorf and Ball are BC boys and Canuck fans too but you'd never know it with how professional Ball is.
Same goes for Romaniuk. How that got ever got on HNIC is beyond me. I don't even know if he's still there. If it's not Cole or Ball calling the game, I just mute the sound.
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Bob Cole is one of greatest of all time. Really glad he’s getting to go out on what I hope are his terms.
That said, you can put me in the camp if I think his mistakes and ability to keep up with the play are now out weighin the benefit of that amazing voice. No shame in it at all, and it doesn’t even really bug me, I just think there are younger folk who do a better job now.
It's ridiculous that Randorf calls national games on HNIC and not Ball.
Ball is miles better than Randorf and it's not even about the blatant homerism of Randorf. Ball just sounds better, follows the play better, recognizes the players.
Not sure if it's some weird politics going on where Randorf has more friends at HNIC.
Both Randorf and Ball are BC boys and Canuck fans too but you'd never know it with how professional Ball is.
Same goes for Romaniuk. How that got ever got on HNIC is beyond me. I don't even know if he's still there. If it's not Cole or Ball calling the game, I just mute the sound.
Randorf is awful, I'd rather listen to Kevin Quinn...and that's saying a lot.
Cuthburt will forever have a special place in my heart for the golden goal.
Seriously, not a single one of you can claim they don’t have that play call etched into their memory. It was glorious
I was watching it with friends in a Room 315 in Pikani House at the U of L. I was standing behind the couch, my arms folded like Vegeta. I was trying to act like I wasn't afraid. I was.
And then I wasn't.
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Rick Ball's future
