Teenage hockey commentator makes pro debut at Newfoundland Growlers game | 24CA News
Those who watched the Newfoundland Growlers hockey sport Saturday did not simply hear the acquainted voice of play-by-play announcer Chris Ballard but additionally that of a budding sports activities commentator.
Seth Hyde, 14, a Grade 9 pupil from St. John’s, joined Ballard as the color commentator for these watching from residence — an invite he did not assume twice about.
“I came home from school and my mom said, ‘The Newfoundland Growlers want you to call a game’. And as soon as she said ‘the Growlers’, I said yes. It wasn’t even out of her mouth yet,” stated Hyde.
“It was always my dream to be a commentator of hockey.”
Hyde started pursuing that dream in April 2021, when he began calling video games for three minor hockey groups.
Since spectators weren’t allowed within the arenas because of COVID-19 restrictions, groups began to livestream their video games — and Hyde seized the chance to supply his companies as a play-by-play announcer for these video games.
His commentary shortly gained widespread consideration and Newfoundland Growlers play-by-play announcer Chris Ballard provided to mentor Hyde — a connection that resulted in Hyde’s look at Saturday’s sport.
On Saturday, Hyde took over the color commentary — a barely completely different expertise, however one he ready for by trying up statistics and watching the World Junior Hockey Championships.
“I’ve been keeping an eye on the colour commentators and that, Mike Johnson, Ray Ferraro, and I’ve been listening to what they’re saying, when they jump in, trying to get as much experience as I can,” he stated.
While Hyde tried to remain calm by treating the expertise as no apart from his normal commentary, Chris Ballard anticipated extra folks than normal to tune in due to the budding announcer.
“From everyone that I’ve spoken with, I think our audience is going to be a little bigger tonight because of this guy,” he stated Saturday forward of the sport.
Ballard was excited to have Hyde within the sales space with him, one thing he says has “been a long time coming”.
“I’ve been kind of connected with Seth for the last couple of years as he has made his ascent into broadcasting. And we had a few holes open up in the booth here in the second half of the season and he was the first phone call we made,” stated Ballard.
“This is not a publicity stunt. He is here completely on merit and we’re really excited to see what he can do.”
The connection between the 2 commentators goes again to Ballard’s personal teenage years — Hyde’s mom was Ballard’s theatre arts trainer in highschool, and Ballard credit her with breaking him out of his shell.
It is “no surprise”, he stated, that Seth inherited her “natural talent in performing” that makes him an amazing hockey commentator.
“He’s naturally witty and charismatic. Nothing seems to faze him. He knows hockey probably better than I do,” stated Ballard.
“It’s the full package and to have that bundled together in an articulate 14-year-old, that’s what’s special about him.”
Having a younger broadcasting expertise emerge from the province, stated Ballard, additionally evokes others to observe their goals.
“Already there’s all kinds of young people across the province who have seen Seth and what he has been able to accomplish,” stated Ballard.
“Who knows, maybe there’s other kids who say that they might want to get involved in something or take big risks.”
One of Hyde’s most up-to-date accomplishments was his choice as considered one of this season’s NHL Power Players, a bunch of 25 teenage advisors to the league, in October.
He now hopes his commentary for the ECHL will get him some consideration from increased up — like the Newfoundland Growlers’ dad or mum membership, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“I’ve been cheering for them ever since I’ve been a little kid, so hopefully, I might catch their attention,” stated Hyde.
“I know that’s definitely setting the bar pretty high but it would be pretty cool to maybe be involved with the Leafs someday.”
Ballard would not assume these targets are unattainable.
“I don’t like to make wild, crazy claims, but I think the NHL is within reach for him,” he stated.
“I don’t think that’s out of the realm of possibility at all.”
