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CBC's Cole continues full steam ahead

WILLIAM HOUSTON

From Friday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 6:40 AM EST 09/05/08

Senior play-by-play voice of Hockey Night in Canada plans to continue working ...Read the full article

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  1. Rob C from Canada writes: OK trust me Bob - It is time to GO! You can be the life of the party, but if you refuse to leave and overstay your welcome, everyone regrets that they invited you. do you want your career smeared with the fact you were around way too long - The time to go was a few years ago....Sorry, but you have overstayed your welcome...
  2. Rob C from Canada writes: ...BTW:I am predicting way more negative feedback than positive - Does that tell you something?
  3. D M from Canada writes: I've been far from a Cole fan since.. well, forever. Been waiting for him to retire for years. I couldn't figure out why he couldn't call the play-by-play. But, actually, after reading the story, I realize there's a reason why .. he's telling a story. Sounds silly, but now that I think of it, why not? I always wondered why we have play-by-play when we can see what's happening on the ice on TV, it's not like we listen on radio to him. I'm almost changing my opinion, cuz it's still true he's got a great voice. Almost.

    Maybe I'm just so glad that Neale went.. he was x10 worse.
  4. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Does HNIC ever replace anyone on their broadcast ?

    One used to be able to be fired for throwing a pencil in the air.

    Come on... This guy and Cherry's best days are long since past...

    How many mistakes in the play by play does this guy make a period ?

    Two words: Freedom 65.
  5. Jeff O from Canada writes: Cole must go. I'd like to be respectful of the guy, but his glaring errors and ludicrous cheerleading for Canadian teams have been a glaring problem on HNIC for several years.

    Wish I didn't have to be so blunt, but it's well past time.

    Hughson is the man, and they were stupid to ever let Cuthbert leave.

  6. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: I much prefer the Hughson call.

    That said I actually miss Harry Neale. I can't even tell you who is sitting next to Bob at the games lately.... Millen? His comments are inane and take away much from the broadcast.

    Either way... Cole will be back next year and that's the way it is.

    cheers
  7. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: Cole, Neale and Cherry belong in a Nursing home. They are all past their due date, by a long shot.
  8. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Yeah! It's that Kingston, Ontario accent that really bugs me about Cherry too...
  9. Dan Green from United States writes: Bob Cole and Harry Neil, are Hockey night in Canada. Not everyone who enjoys Coles story telling, is in their twenties. This game is Canadian. We Yanks have yet to understand many aspects of the culture of the game. Cole, Neil ,and Cherry, help. Downloading the play by play to your cell phone, for the 24/7, crowd will come soon enough. Seems to me, the wisdom of the Canadian GM's, are not in their twenties. When I am in TO I hear nothing but complaining about the Leaf management. Not for me to say, but am I right, they turned veteran Scotty Bowman away ?
  10. Sean O'Reilly from Canada writes: While I do get the critism he receives for some of his work, I have always enjoyed his work. I grew up with him, his voice is timeless, and he bring's great energy.

    Most focuss on a negative, and I find when I read a lot of comments about him, they are more personal and ridiculous in nature. The biggest one saying he is a cheerleader for the leafs. I could say that about a lot of broadcasters with the CBC or any other network.

    People really just need to take commentating with a grain of salt. Turn down the volume if you don't like it. But if you're going to critize, than have some creditbility to it.

    The man's moment in the sun will set soon, enjoy his work while you can.
  11. Joseph Daniel from Oakville, Canada writes: Rob C bang on the money, It is almost entirely negative criticism. 75 and still calling games who does Cole think he is Foster Hewit? Who at that age could still call a pretty darn good game ie the 72 Sumitt series.
    D M sure Cole is telling a story, because he can't make out what is happening on the ice. Also the story that he is telling doesn't necessarily coincide with what is happening on the ice.
    Come on Bob time to move on. If Foster the Legend of all hockey broadcasters stepped aside surely you can put your own personal ego aside for the good of hockey and retire!
  12. Ed Flynn from Saint John, Canada writes: I've criticized Bob Cole in the past but, having listened to him call every game of the Boston and Philly series, have to say that he is - far and away - better than any American 'play by play' announcer on TV. It is his story-telling, his narrative, and his voice that add a great deal to the viewing experience. Americans have discussions completely seperate from the actual game itself and dive late back into play-by-play well after a critical moment has passed. This is more annoying that Bob Cole incorrectly identifying a player occasionally. Cole turns a phrase unlike most North American broadcasters and is more like an English soccer announcer in this way of commanding our language.
  13. Dave Miller from Montreal, Canada writes: He does have a great voice. It's almost time to let Hughson takeover though....
  14. Trent Walters from Edmonton, Canada writes: How did the book Old Yeller end? They loved that dog, but in the end they did what was best for everyone.
  15. Sissy Schuss from Canada writes: Cole is not close to being the best but he is palatable to a general audience -paired with an intelligent analyst - like maybe a Kelly Hrudy he would be better.

    For my money I like Dean Brown because of his inventive use of the phrase and insights.
    Dean Brown

    Dean was born in Manitoba and hoped one day to be a welder. After repeatedly starting his clothes on fire, that dream died so he turned to sports. Covering the NHL and the Ottawa Senators is thee dream job. Hockey is the greatest game ever invented and he gets to watch it every day, and so far his clothes have never caught fire at a rink.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Gord Wilson
    Senators Colour Commentator
    Gord has been one half of the play-by-play team since day one with the Ottawa Senators. One listen to Gordie's work and you'll discover his true passion for hockey. He's enjoyed the unique experience of seeing first hand the Senators grow and evolve since their inception in 92-93. Partnered with Dean Brown, you'll be hard pressed to find a better team calling NHL hockey.
  16. gary scott from United States writes: As a faithful viewer of HNIC from Foster Hewitt's days,I can only add to the many comments, regarding Bob Cole, that retirement seems overdue. My major complaint is that Bob's voice often sounds as if he's trying to do a perfect imitation of the famed radio broadcast of the Hindenburg airship disaster. Leafs hockey isn't that earthshattering. Joe Bowen and Harry Neale were the perfect combo for Leafs hockey, serious when necessary, humorous and easy flowing when the game was out of hand. Jim Hughson is, as many have stated, the best of the HNIC crew, and should be the lead HNIC announcer. But he can't have Millen pull down his quality. A better analyst, with more spark and enthusiasm, is required to keep HNIC at the top of it's game.
  17. Boca Junior from Canada writes: I can't believe some of the obnoxious comments posted about this. OK so Bob Cole is getting on a bit, and is maybe past his best, but he has been a great hockey broadcaster for a very long time, and he's still a lot better than almost any American commentator.

    Try having some class and at least acknowledge his achievements, before you slag him off.

    The 'nursing home' comment was totally uncalled for. You may be a 'proud canadian' but I suspect not too many Canadians are proud of you.
  18. Sissy Schuss from Canada writes: Cooler Head from West of TO, Canada writes: Oddly, the usual party trolls aren't represented in this thread.

    The G&M generally sports some of the best examples of brainless 'did so-did not' partisanship available.

    it has died down because the university students who accounted for a good chunk of that brainless debate have gone on to find summer jobs - they are are no longer sitting in front of a computer 24/7 with nothing better to do

    kid you not
  19. steve miskiewicz from clearwater, fla. usa, United States Outlying writes: you people north border sure are hard on a HNIC legend. It is a pleasure every Saturday Night to stay home and enjoy HNIC with Bob calling Play By Play. Enjoy him while you can.
  20. Verona Raven from United States writes: Bob Cole when calling a game other than TO:

    'The Philadelphia defenceman battles for the puck and is smacked by the Pittsburgh player'

    I like Bob Cole but he needs to do some homework. Millen is just Websters definition of a chafe....
  21. Rob C from Canada writes: The Ottawa team I have heard is an embarrassment - bush league. (Radio or TV, not sure which) - Not just because they are homers (Bowen is) but they are such jock sniffers, Bowen isn't - - 'Heatley wires it,' or 'Spezza Hammers it' The other team shoots and scores, but the Senators are so talented, it's hard for these guys not to become aroused...There is so much hyperbole, I am sure the players' parents are even embarrassed.
  22. Miguel Sanchez from Wakaw, Canada writes: Like that soprano voice or not, the mothership should never have let Chris Cuthbert leave. Nobody parlays excitement like him (love his trademark 'did you see that?!'). Hughson is fine, but not nearly animated enough.
  23. Stan P from Sydenham ON, Canada writes: Bob tells a story with a beautiful voice - too bad the voice and story didn't include what was happening on the ice, who the names of the non-Leaf players are, etc. The 'magic voice' might also include an accurate description of the play rather than what the speaker's story would like to happen. A phrase like 'Sundin cross checks the other guy from behind (there is no hope that Bob would know the guy's name) might lend some credibility to his fiction but the fact that no Leaf has committed a dirty play in 25 years worth of stories means it is time for the old cheerleader to hang up the pom-poms and go back to the home, or just home. Bye BOB, and don't come back!
  24. Philoso Raptor from Kingston, Canada writes: Bob does have a great voice but his calls have been getting weaker and he does seems to be behind the play a lot. Hughson's a pretty good play by play guy; Brown makes Chuck Swirsky sound objective and Chris Cuthbert's voice puts my teeth on edge.

    Glenn Healy is the only colour guy who doesn't get on my wick at least three or four times a period. The other guys should learn to speak ENGLISH! The constant creation of polysyllabic nonsense words in a desperate and unsuccessful attempt to sound intelligent is just incredibly annoying. They sound like GWB!

    Leaving all of that aside, what I'd really like to see the CBC do is use their CBCHD2 channel (806 on ExpressVu) to broadcast the games without announcers; just a really good surround mix of the audio in the arena.

    Play by play for television is anachronistic and a holdover from radio.
  25. Joseph Daniel from Oakville, Canada writes: Sissy Schuss from Canada writes: Cooler Head from West of TO, Canada writes: Oddly, the usual party trolls aren't represented in this thread.

    The G&M generally sports some of the best examples of brainless "did so-did not" partisanship available.

    it has died down because the university students who accounted for a good chunk of that brainless debate have gone on to find summer jobs - they are are no longer sitting in front of a computer 24/7 with nothing better to do

    kid you not

    hmmm...you may have a point there. Doesn't say much about the people attending our institutions of higher learning.
  26. D S from Canada writes: The Bob Cole / Harry Neale broadcast team was legendary, and sometimes they were the only reason to tune in to the playoffs in May and June. I'm very disappointed that this 20 year HNIC tradition ended not with a bang but with a whimper.

    Bob Cole's a class act. I still enjoy his broadcasts and I hope he continues to broadcast as long as he is able.
  27. Matt O from Canada writes: I'm sorry, but nothing in this article suggested to me that Cole is a "class act". A class act is someone who knows when to step down with dignity. Cole right now is the King Lear of broadcasting, too full of pride to see that he is destroying his credibility.

    Hughson is obviously next in line to take over, but keep in mind that he's not spring chicken either. Doesn't he deserve to also have a long run at the most coveted spot at hockey broadcasting? Right now Cole is just being selfish, hanging onto a job that he's had plenty of time to enjoy.

    Classy athletes (Brett Favre being the most recent example I can think of) step aside when they feel they are no longer working at their peak so that they can make room for new talent. Why won't Cole do the same?
  28. Bob Smith from CalgaryToronto, Canada writes: Man there are sooo many people complaining about Bob Cole while completing forgetting the worst broadcasting team in Canada... Jamie Campbell and Rance Mulliniks
  29. You know me as Dije from Ottawa, Canada writes: Have to give kudos to Cole. He has a great voice and hearing his calls from old games, they are good.

    Times have changed, however. He doesn't know the name of more than four players on any team except the Leafs, he doesn't know when a team has a man advantage, he is confused by most whistles and the colour commentary guys now usually have to tell him general what is going on.

    During the Montreal series, i'm not sure how many times the man advantage confused him.

    "And they are applying pressure like they are on the powerplay" - they were

    "They got away with an icing there I think" - they were pentaly killing

    "The Montreal player gains the zone" - he has a number and a name on his jersey, 11 Koivu

    "Kovalev is makes a great move to gain the zone" - after he lost the puck and it was transitioned to centre ice already...

    He doesn't know the names, can't recognize many of the concepts and seems to be a play ot two behind.

    But hey, he does know the names of most of the Leafs, so sign him long-term, no-movement clause of course.
  30. Joseph Daniel from Oakville, Canada writes: Matt O I agree it is not like the country is void of good broadcasters. Look at some of our best south of the border like Dan Shulman, John Saunders albeit they are not calling hockey games. If the top broadcaster does not make room for people coming through the system that is in place, we will be left with as Bob Smith pointed out the worst team in broadcasting. Time for Bob say adios, after all Foster retired way before he ever did and even when he came back to call the 72 series with all those russian names he still was bang on as opposed to what Bob Cole is schilling out there now.
  31. Chris Michaels from Oakville, Canada writes: I think Bob Cole is awesome. I'm almost 30 now and his voice is what I associate with Hockey Night in Canada. And when he quits, it just won't be the same. I like a lot of the other guys they've brought on...Hughie is great, but he's no Bob Cole.

    I think people mistake his identifying players as, as mentioned "the Philiadelphia player" as that he doesn't know who the player is...I beg to differ. I think that is part of the style. Its like calling the moment from the perspective of the puck carrier -- we don't always need to assign credit when it's a menial action. And, my proof would be that he routinely does this when talking about Leaf players, too...a point often forgotten.

    Vive le Revolucion! Vive Bob Cole!!
  32. Canadian First from st. Catharines, Canada writes: CBC TV coverage of hockey has gone steadily downhill for the psat 10-15 years and is something they shoudl be ashamed of. I grew up listening to the three best hockey anouncers of all time - Foster Hewitt, Danny Gallivan and Rene Lecavalier - and this may have spoiled me forever, but I cannot accept anyone's pronouncement that Bob Cole is good and should continue. Compared to the three mentioned above, on his best day he's a third rate hack, and it sounds like he might in fact be juiced. Don Cherry - first rate idiot. Greg Millen? What a disaster! And who's this P.J. character?
  33. Ian Cameron from Hamilton, Canada writes: Not to shovel more dirt on the Bob Cole complaints but I also caught him during the Flyers/Habs series make a mistake regarding one of the rules when I heard him say when a player shot the puck out of play from centre ice: "and the puck goes out of play but it went into the Canadiens bench so there is no penalty on the play for delay of game". Uhh...what?! You might want to know the rules of the league a little better Bob. Either that or senility has set in for him in a major way. It wouldn't have been a penalty anyway because the player shot the puck out of play from centre ice, not from his own zone. It's just an example of why I think Bob needs to at the very least be downgraded from lead announcer next season to a smaller role at HNIC so his legacy can be spared from being marred by embarassing mistakes such as that.
  34. Al Bore from OTTAWA, Canada writes: It wouldn't be Hockey Night in Canada without the voice of Bob Cole on a Saturday night. He's got the best voice for hockey.
    2nd place goes to Joe Bowen. Great announcing skills.
  35. Sissy Schuss from Canada writes: Let's see how he does tonight - I would put my mortgage on him being unable to identify more than 5 Penguin players and maybe 2 or 3 flyers during the play by play - mind you things will improve as the series progresses

    still for my money I like Dean Brown.
  36. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: Rob C from Canada writes: "The Ottawa team I have heard is an embarrassment - bush league. (Radio or TV, not sure which) - Not just because they are homers (Bowen is) but they are such jock sniffers, Bowen isn't - - 'Heatley wires it,' or 'Spezza Hammers it' The other team shoots and scores, but the Senators are so talented, it's hard for these guys not to become aroused...There is so much hyperbole, I am sure the players' parents are even embarrassed". Rob FIGJAM, what does this rant have to do with the story on this thread? U got a problem with your head? U got some substance in you that is causing you to hilucinate? Are you having some problems with that blob between your ears?

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