No one is better than Mike Kelly when it comes to broadcasting hockey.
Mike Kelly calls the action on radio broadcasts for the Springfield Falcons.
Two days ago I received an email from a young man by the name of Chris Olsen. Chris interned in Springfield more than 20 years ago. Today, Chris is the vice president of the Houston Texans, working on player contracts and negotiations; he also spent a dozen years with the NFL. It was nice to hear from Chris and find out how successful he has become. It also made me realize just how important the American Hockey League is for developing not only great hockey players, but also for giving so many young men and women the opportunity to hone their skills in sales and marketing, media relations, broadcasting, merchandising or any of the other departments within our operation.
Over the years I have cut down on my travel as I find these old knees simply don't hold up well on bus rides. However, thanks to AHL Live, I am able to watch online all of the road games I don't attend. Lately, I have been switching back and forth between listening to the broadcasts by the home team's broadcaster and to our own Mike Kelly. There are a number of very talented broadcasters in our league. However, although I may be a bit biased in my opinion, none is better than Mike. Mike paid his dues calling games in Mississippi and South Carolina of the ECHL before he auditioned for the opening in Springfield several years ago. When I listen to him on our flagship station WHYN or watch the game on AHL Live and listen to his call of the game, I marvel at his ability to be accurate in his description of the play, excitable when the play on the ice calls for it and, more than anything else, the consummate professional at all times. He adds his own element of humor at the appropriate time and simply makes listening to the games enjoyable. Mike Kelly is just another example of a talented individual working in our league.
The players in the American Hockey League will get a chance to enjoy a brief three-day break over Christmas, but the Falcons will be back in action for three games at home on December 27, 29 and 30, and we hope to see you at the Nest.
Happy Holidays.
Bruce Landon is president and general manager of the Springfield Falcons. He can be reached by commenting on this blog or sending him an e-mail at blandon@falconsahl.com. For more information visit the team website.