By Stapley Russell
Broadcasting Greenwich High School varsity boys’ hockey games is a dream come true for Greenwich local, Rob Burnett.
And it’s a safe bet that he’s preparing for the next time he’s behind the mic, a Feb. 12 home game against Northwest Catholic
When he was approached earlier this season to broadcast the Cardinals’ hockey opener on Dec. 16, he jumped at the chance.
While the five time Emmy award winner, best known for being the executive producer of the Late Show with David Letterman, has plenty of experience behind the camera, he was admittedly nervous before his broadcasting debut and, in an email to some friends, explained why he was excitedly taking on the role and encouraged them to tune in, for moral support.
While I didn’t have my husband’s permission to read his email, I did get the author’s permission to print it:
Dear hockey fans,
When I was eight years old, I used to fall asleep every Wednesday and Sunday nights from October to May listening to Marv Albert announce Ranger games. I had an AM-only radio, and I sneaked an earpiece up from the floor and under covers so I could listen way past my bedtime. Pete Stemkowksi’s triple OT goal against Chicago? Heard it. Dale Rolfe’s slapshot that broke Jean Ratelle’s ankle? Heard it. The glorious Garden chants: “Eddie! Eddie! Eddie!” Heard them, too. All courtesy of the greatest announcer in the history of sports: Marv Albert.
So, last week when I was approached to do play-by-play for the Greenwich High School Cardinals, before those doing the asking could even finish, I yelled, “Yes!” (Those who know Marv understand the reference, albeit from basketball, an inferior sport.)
My wife said to me, “I don’t think I have ever seen you more excited to do anything than this.” My great friend and former writing partner, Jon Beckerman, said, “Your whole life has been a prelude to this moment.” They are both correct. This is as excited as I get.
I have taken to signing all my emails to the powers that be as “The Voice of Cardinal Hockey” in hopes of making it stick. For them, this is a novelty. For me, this is all I’ve ever wanted to do in my life.
Now let’s be clear: desire and results are often bitter foes. I harbor no illusions. The degree of difficulty is high: I will be attempting to do play-by-play for two very high-level Division-I FCIAC hockey teams in their season opener. Not kid’s stuff. This is real hockey — Connecticut-style. And for those of you who want to poo-poo Connecticut hockey, I will casually mention the names John Hayden, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Max Pacioretti: all local Connecticut boys currently in the NHL. There are plenty of others. The point is, this is fast and real hockey. And, oh yeah, the kids also don’t wear their names on their jerseys. So, I’ll be spending the next 19 hours and 37 minutes testing myself with flashcards.
Let me bottom line this for you: I don’t care how bad I am. I’m doing it anyway. Sometimes you just have to.
If you have a few minutes on Saturday night to watch great kids play a great sport with great skill, come check it out. You’ll also get to see and hear a middle-aged guy most likely floundering, but with a huge smile on his face.
In honor of Marv, I will be working in his famous “Kick save and a beauty!” at least once, without regard to whether the puck is kicked or saved in a beautiful fashion.
Yours,
Rob Burnett
With several home games now under his belt, Burnett, along with his colleagues in the booth, Andrew Boer and Chris Jones, has legitimately earned the self-proclaimed title, The Voice of Cardinal Hockey. Follow him live at locallive.tv/greenwichhighschool on Feb. 12, when the Cardinals face off against Northwest Catholic, or at most home games during the remainder of the season.
