Reflecting On 2023 On The Air

Whenever I get a little bit morose about not being at the NHL or network level, my wife is quick to remind me that almost every year I get asked to do something new on top of what I already do. Whether it was working at TSN radio, calling AHL hockey for a couple or years, creating my own opportunity with TSN and the World Juniors or other things, there was always someone who reached out for me to do something different independent of my work with the IceDogs and McMaster University, which , ironically, was one of the "new things" I did. 2023 was no different, and I'm grateful for those who want my voice to be the soundtrack of their game.

On the whole, I feel I'm at the top of my own personal broadcasting game. My call is sharp, voice is strong and my on-camera presence has improved. I've always said I'm network or NHL ready. That said, at this point in time with me not getting younger at 51, a surge of new talent as well as other other factors, I actually am furthest from the NHL, or network than ever. I'd peg my chances at remote right now, but you know what? I'm good with that as my attitude towards the sports media business has changed, and that largely is the reason for my improved on-air work.

At this point you are probably thinking that I am one arrogant, self-absorbed, conceited jacka** to be on-air. First of all, a little self-absorption and conceit is not a bad thing for TV and secondly being confident in your own abilities is a good thing, and if you think otherwise that's more of a you problem than a me problem. The fact of the matter is that I'm confident in all the work I do, whether it is front of the classroom, camera or behind the microphone. Believe it or not, I do remain humble as I in no way big time anybody and always have time for young broadcasters who reach out for tips, critiques or opportunities. If I can help you, I will! Reach out via X/Twitter or any other social media.

Ok, so time to get back on the year on-air reflection, and I'll do it chronologically, and won't get too windy or wordy.

January- March 2023- IceDogs broacasting was a tough, tough sled given the poor performance of the team. Nothing tests your broadcasting skill, acumen and enthusiasm more than broadcasing a last place team with zero hope for the playoffs. Even with the experienced crew we had, it was challenging. I thought we told the best stories we could but it was not lost that the IceDogs last made the playoffs in 2019, when Jason Robertson and Phil Tomasino were playing for the team!

January-March 2023. McMaster was way more successful than Niagara than the IceDogs. All volleyball and basketball teams made the playoffs and the volleyball team on the men's side was an automatic entry into the U Sports Nationals as the host. The challenge with McMaster was four hours of broadcasting alone. That's a lot of me, and my voice and a lot of talking. That's wher research comes in as I had to fill time in between handling both the play-by-play and colour commentary essentially. McMaster, however, is my university and I love working for them.

March 2023: The U Sports Men's basketball championship gets a separate entry as it was a special three days as I got to call five games, including the final for CBC Sports. There was 2000 people in the gym, making noise on every point and we were right there in the centre of the action close to courtside! What a weekend! Plus, it's the frigging CBC! It didn't matter that it was online, ,it still was the CBC! Next life goal is to get one of those beautiful and iconic vintage powder blue Hockey Night in Canada blazers.

Summer 2023: Got the call to do some elite rowing, just like I did last year at the Canada Games. It was me, alone, watching five different camera feeds and trying to convey the action as if I was majestically ridiing on the water beside the boats. Not sure I hit the mark all the time, but hoping the research and enthusiasm I displayed supplemented the outstanding rowing talent.

Summer-Fall 2023- Big thrill here as I got the call from the venerable 900 CHML to call McMaster football. If you are a Hamiltonian and a sports broadcaster, one of your goals should be to call games for CHML, a station that has been involved in football and other sports for decades and offers a hall of fame list of local broadcasters like Bill Stirrup, Ted Michaels, Tim Miccalef- the list goes on an one. Unfortunately the McMaster performance on the field didn't match lofty expectations and I covered another team that did not make the playoffs. The Marauders finished 2-6, but I got to reunite with producer and friend Matt Taylor and meet the charismatic Peter Dyakowski, a former Tiger Cat who was also listed as one of Canada's 10 Smartest People (I finished just out of the running).

Fall 2023- end of 2023. Hope springs eternal for the IceDogs has resulted in a new crop of young talent has brought a little excitement back to the broadcasts. There's stories to tell, young players who are NHL prospects and while the on-ice record is only marginally better than last year at this point, it is a way more competitive vibe with 2/3 of the game being one goal games. I'm back with McMaster basketball and volleyball. I started my broadcasting journey at McMaster as a student back in 1993 so I'm on a 30 year oddysey off an on with the team. This year the Women's Volleyball team hosts the nationals, and hopefully I'll cover those games too!

So here's to 2024, and a continued positive outlook on the sports broadcasting world. I'll keep on keeping my website updated, because that's what good broadcasters do, and I'll continue to seek out new opportunites. Yes, my network and NHL chances are remote at best but there are athletes who deserve coverage, and a professional call. That's my focus, and I'm happy to be part of their narrative and career!

Steve Clark

www.steveclarkmedia.com