Or on this occasion right off the hockey stick.

I met Jack Michaels, the new play-by-play voice of the Edmonton Oilers recently and we spent a very enjoyable hour talking about broadcasting and ‘life in Edmonton.’

First off I have the deepest respect for people who have truly ‘earned their way’ into a great position and for ‘paying their dues’ in the business. You can tell it instantly as there is a great appreciation for the current opportunity and certainly no arrogance or sense of entitlement.

Jack ‘has’ paid his dues. Over 900 games in some markets where you’d have a hard time finding the city on a map. He’s had teams fold and leave him out of a gig. In Alaska the team was actually being put on EBay to sell when they had a big turn around and won the cup.

“From EBay to the Championship Baby” – is how Jack described it.

Jack is married to wife Emily, who he met in their home town of Meadville, PA though “we weren’t high school sweethearts.”

The young couple (he’s just 35) are raising son Tyler 4, and daughter Callie 6, and are currently staying in Sherwood Park until they can find the best neighbourhood to raise the kids in (near a good school, easy to get to work, airport, etc. ).

How did the dream start?

Like most, as a youngster with a goal.

Jack’s father was an English professor and the two of them used to listen to broadcasts of CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada out of London, Ontario.

“The signal was fuzzy but I got into hockey about the time the Edmonton Oilers were disposing of the Montreal Canadians in 1981. I also listening to boxing and horse racing announcers for the style that they brought to their craft.. Having a Dad who demanded perfect grammar certainly helped me and I pride myself on that to this day.”

The last job in Alaska was the true test of not only patience but their marriage as Jack and Emily raised their new young family as far away as possible from senior family members and friends. Jack had to play ‘every’ role in making the broadcast successful including selling the air time, voicing the commercials, appearances, and evening setting up the equipment.

“Here there’s a huge support crew for all of that here. I can just focus on my craft which makes it a lot easier for me.”

In a day and age of high technology, Jack is as “old school” as you can get.

Believe it or not he does all his pre-game prep on the outside of file folders. In a very clear handwritten “font” he has the number of every player, alongside his name, and a few brief notes on the guy so that he can quickly look down and grab the information. The file folder stays at home until the next time the two teams meet and he updates the information.

It’s very early but so far he “loves” Edmonton and can’t thank everybody for making this move so seamless for him and the family.

“I can’t believe how friendly people are here. I was told that but until you walk down the street and talk to the fans it really is quite amazing.”

He credits his colourman Bob Stauffer for most of the compliments. “Bob is an encyclopedia on the air but it’s the off-air help that has been of the most assistance to me pointing out things about the city, people, the Oilers brass, that has been really helpful for me to get the lay of the land. I can’t thank him enough.”

So I said – OK then here’s the tough question. (The look on Jack’s face was one of concern) – “the Kiss cam is roaming around the arena and ends up on you and Stauffer – what do you do? " He then laughs and says, “I get up and massage his shoulders. I’m certainly not going to kiss the big fella on the cheek and shock him. Great question!”

The next big question was “which city are you most looking forward to visiting?”

His answer verified my original “like” of the guy when he said “Pittsburgh – but not because of what you think. Yes, it’ll be great to see Sidney Crosby and the Pens but it’s because my family and friends will be at the game. When I first got the phone call that I got the Oilers gig I instantly called my Dad. I’m a single child and he knows how hard I’ve worked to get here that I can’t wait to shake his hand and walk in with a little pride.”

Any negatives so far Jack?

“The only comment, and it’s only a few, is the fact that I’m an American. I can’t control my blood lines and I’m going to work my tail off in this city for people to respect me – and if it takes 3 to 5 years for that to happen so be it.”

He could not have arrived at a better time. The Edmonton Oilers are going through a total rebuild as witnessed by the change in virtually every aspect of the operation both internal and on the ice.

There’s an air of freshness and the first preseason game had a buzz like we haven’t seen in several years.

The kids are all right – and although Jack is out of the kid category – his freshness and approach is a great fit for what the team is going through.

I hope you get a chance to meet him. You’ll like him right out of the gate.

So welcome “home” Jack, Emily, Callie and Tyler!