‘Crowds, the games, the whole event, you really feed off that’

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/05/2010 (5817 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

To provide the in-depth, up-to-the-minute coverage Memorial Cup fans crave, nearly 200 media types from across the country have turned the Keystone Centre into their home away from home.

Providing game-day coverage and cranking out endless behind-the scenes stories that result from daily on-ice practices and press conferences during the 10-day event is a draining test of endurance for those who make their living filming, commentating, shooting and writing about the tournament.

As the tournament reaches its climax, the Sun took the chance to stop and chat with some of the talent using the Wheat City as their home base.

Roblin native Dean Molberg got his start in broadcast journalism at CKX and on the airwaves in Brandon. Today he’s known to Calgarians as "Boomer" on the sports radio station Fan 960. As soon as Molberg heard the Wheat Kings would be the 2010 host team, he said he immediately scheduled vacation time. Then, when the Hitmen made the cut, his trip home transpired into a working vacation.

Now, nine days into covering his first Memorial Cup — he has covered Stanley Cup playoffs and numerous other world-class sporting events — Molberg says covering lengthy events is a thrilling test of endurance.

"It’s a grind, it really is," he said. "The thing about it is you’ve got the games at night and the practices in the morning, and if you’re going to enjoy the social aspect of it all and still be ready for the bell in the morning … It’s a marathon. But it’s you can’t help but get excited about it. The crowds, the games, the whole event, you really feed off that."

Meantime, Sam Cosentino is known as the "colour guy" for Rogers Sportsnet. Together with Peter Loubardias, Cosentino provides the commentary for each game.

Covering his fifth Memorial Cup tournament, the veteran sports commentator who also calls games for the Toronto Blue Jays, says he has learned a thing or two about how to stay focused for 10 consecutive games. He too says he makes himself grab the odd catnap in between the morning practices, interviews and research that’s required before the puck drops that evening.

"This is my fifth cup so one thing I’ve tried to pay more attention to is getting out to the morning skates … you go to see whether a team has excitement, more jump and to see if there’s any sign of injuries and see why a guy maybe isn’t skating," he explained. "That tells me everything about the chemistry of the group and it’s excellent prep mentally for the game."

The demanding nature of Cosentino’s role — assessing plays and recounting statistics — throughout a 60-minute hockey game means he’s showing up for games two hours ahead of time and not leaving until well after the final buzzer; not to mention the legwork done earlier.

"It’s gruelling, but it’s the stuff we all thrive on."