77 replies to this topic

[Stormin Norman]

I am a relocated Sabres fan who watched the game on NBC.  It wasn't until later when I was listening to the WGR highlights that I heard Paul calling the game.  It sounded very good!

At the risk of embarrassing myself, has he done it before?  Does he have a background announcing games in his career?  I really enjoyed his calls - all of them!

Edited by Stormin Norman, 20 January 2013 - 06:17 PM.

[nucci]

Stormin Norman, on 20 January 2013 - 06:16 PM, said:

I am a relocated Sabres fan who watched the game on NBC.  It wasn't until later when I was listening to the WGR highlights that I heard Paul calling the game.  It sounded very good!

At the risk of embarrassing myself, has he done it before?  Does he have a background announcing games in his career?  I really enjoyed his calls - all of them!

Paul is a friend of mine and he does have extensive play calling over his career. I think last year was the first time he did it in the NHL.

[NowDoYouBelieve]

On an objective level, he should be ahead of RJ on the "depth chart".  

As a homer, I want to hear SCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE as many times as possible before he retires.

[notwoz]

I only heard the highlights -- and not the entire game. But I liked what I heard. When RJ decides to hang it up, I wouldn't mind listening to Paul Hamilton as a replacement.

[Stormin Norman]

nucci, on 20 January 2013 - 06:43 PM, said:

Paul is a friend of mine and he does have extensive play calling over his career. I think last year was the first time he did it in the NHL.

What teams did he do play-by-play for prior to the NHL?  College games?

[bills_fan_in_raleigh]

PH will be a great replacement when RJ hangs up the gloves

[johnnychemo]

Of the guys they've had fill in for RJ, Hamilton is by far the best. I'd like to see him take over when RJ calls it a career.

[Punch]

nucci, on 20 January 2013 - 06:43 PM, said:

Paul is a friend of mine and he does have extensive play calling over his career. I think last year was the first time he did it in the NHL.

Stormin Norman, on 20 January 2013 - 06:52 PM, said:

What teams did he do play-by-play for prior to the NHL?  College games?

IIRC, in addition to last season, there was an earlier year where RJ took an extended medical sabbatical and Hamilton filled in. PASabreFan suggested 2009 in the GDT.

The Sabres are the only NHL team he has called games for, and only in emergency relief of Rick.

nucci, make sure to tell him he was a big hit!

johnnychemo, on 20 January 2013 - 07:24 PM, said:

Of the guys they've had fill in for RJ, Hamilton is by far the best. I'd like to see him take over when RJ calls it a career.

When Rick was out on medical leave a few years ago, the old Winnipeg Jets PBP man called at least one game on the west coast trip. He was fantastic, and I had hoped that if Rick retired, he'd get the nod. Without looking it up, I'm not sure if he's calling the Jets games now, though. Former Bisons' and current Nashville Preds PBP announcer Pete Weber also called a game or 2 that year--- of course, he was the Sabres radio PBP man briefly after Ted Darling passed and Rick moved to TV--- post Gurtler and prior to the simulcast.

Edited by Punch, 20 January 2013 - 07:28 PM.

[PromoTheRobot]

PH was a last minute fill in because RJ got sick.

PTR

[inkman]

PromoTheRobot, on 20 January 2013 - 07:35 PM, said:

PH was a last minute fill in because RJ got sick.

PTR

Way to read the thread.

nucci, on 20 January 2013 - 06:43 PM, said:

Paul is a friend of mine and he does have extensive play calling over his career. I think last year was the first time he did it in the NHL.

As a friend can you tell him to grow the stash back, it has a slimming effect.

[Kelly the Dog]

Punch, on 20 January 2013 - 07:33 PM, said:

IIRC, in addition to last season, there was an earlier year where RJ took an extended medical sabbatical and Hamilton filled in. PASabreFan suggested 2009 in the GDT.

The Sabres are the only NHL team he has called games for, and only in emergency relief of Rick.

nucci, make sure to tell him he was a big hit!



When Rick was out on medical leave a few years ago, the old Winnipeg Jets PBP man called at least one game on the west coast trip. He was fantastic, and I had hoped that if Rick retired, he'd get the nod. Without looking it up, I'm not sure if he's calling the Jets games now, though. Former Bisons' and current Nashville Preds PBP announcer Pete Weber also called a game or 2 that year--- of course, he was the Sabres radio PBP man briefly after Ted Darling passed and Rick moved to TV--- post Gurtler and prior to the simulcast.

IIRC correctly, Sylvester did a game or two then and was unimpressive, and RJ's son did a game, and he, too, was unimpressive.

I didn't hear Hamilton, and I am not a huge fan of his as an analyst on GR. But the highlights I heard today of the goals I liked a lot.

Edited by Kelly the Dog, 20 January 2013 - 08:17 PM.

[Punch]

Kelly the Dog, on 20 January 2013 - 08:16 PM, said:

IIRC correctly, Sylvester did a game or two then and was unimpressive, and RJ's son did a game, and he, too, was unimpressive.

I didn't hear Hamilton, and I am not a huge fan of his as an analyst on GR. But the highlights I heard today of the goals I liked a lot.

Sylvester has called several games--- it's best to not discuss that dark chapter any further and just be glad it is no more.

Yea, at one point I thought it would be pretty cool for Rick's son to take up the mantle after RJ stepped down. In fact, it even appeared that may have been the plan when he was hired to do PBP for the Portland Pirates--- but he was too much of a pale imitation at the time he called that Sabres game. Whether or not he's improved, I can't say.

I agree with you on Paul Hamilton as an analyst. His whining gets to be grating and I think he's guilty of often drawing conclusions where it's really just a case of him being clueless (more often with the Bills than the Sabres). I could be relatively content with him doing PBP, but I'm very interested to see if Brian Duff has interest in the job. I don't know that he has PBP experience, but he has a very clean and smooth broadcasting style, an affable personality and is a quick wit--- not to mention a superior grasp of the game. His lifelong love of the Sabres gives him a broad sense of the franchise's history and a feel for the fanbase. He reminds me very much of Ted Darling, who had a similar start as Hockey Night in Canada intermission host and national commentator before coming to the Sabres.

Of course, if that were currently in the cards at all, today's game would have been a perfect time to try him out as he was not needed for hosting duties with the game being on NBC. He talked with Koziol on WGR during the intermission.

Anyway, my $0.02.

Edited by Punch, 20 January 2013 - 08:37 PM.

[IKnowPhysics]

Relevant thread of old: http://forums.sabres...team-broadcast/

TL;DR Ownership cares greatly about the broadcast quality and listens to fans.  I trust their judgement, with continued input, going forward.

[Patty16]

I agree with several others. PH is ten times better as a PbP man than an analyst.

[Punch]

IKnowPhysics, on 20 January 2013 - 08:41 PM, said:

Relevant thread of old: http://forums.sabres...team-broadcast/

TL;DR Ownership cares greatly about the broadcast quality and listens to fans.  I trust their judgement, with continued input, going forward.

Thanks for that. Some interesting stuff. The mutiny of Kevin Sylvester appears to have been a calculated move. Ted Black is a shrewd mofo.

[Kelly the Dog]

Punch, on 20 January 2013 - 09:22 PM, said:

Thanks for that. Some interesting stuff. The mutiny of Kevin Sylvester appears to have been a calculated move. Ted Black is a shrewd mofo.

Pegula is an awesome owner, obviously. And he seems genuine. But it's pretty easy to just throw your money around if you have that kind of money. Not that most or even many people would; but it's easy nonetheless if you want to. To me, Ted Black is the most impressive guy in all of the Sabres organization, including players, coaches, and management. That dude is brilliant at his job.

[Punch]

Kelly the Dog, on 20 January 2013 - 09:26 PM, said:

Pegula is an awesome owner, obviously. And he seems genuine. But it's pretty easy to just throw your money around if you have that kind of money. Not that most or even many people would; but it's easy nonetheless if you want to. To me, Ted Black is the most impressive guy in all of the Sabres organization, including players, coaches, and management. That dude is brilliant at his job.

Amen, brother.

[Meathead]

i didnt hear the game but when i googled paul hamilton this came up so i like him

http://images.yandy....urse-Bikini.jpg

[PromoTheRobot]

inkman, on 20 January 2013 - 08:15 PM, said:

Way to read the thread.

No one mentioned why PH was on today.  Why isn't that relevant?

PTR

[IKnowPhysics]

Punch, on 20 January 2013 - 09:22 PM, said:

Thanks for that. Some interesting stuff. The mutiny of Kevin Sylvester appears to have been a calculated move. Ted Black is a shrewd mofo.

Yup, but one has to be fair- fans like Kevin, just not in the PbP chair.  He's a great TV host, which is why he might have success on the radio as a host.

[beerme1]

PromoTheRobot, on 20 January 2013 - 10:35 PM, said:

No one mentioned why PH was on today.  Why isn't that relevant?

PTR

Assuming the flu.

[buftex]

I actually like Paul Hamiltons' coverage of the Sabres. I don't think he is so great as a Bills reporter, and, I assume, it is a role he would rather not have... but he gives more insight, IMO, to the behind the scenes of the Sabres than anyone else.

[johnnychemo]

Punch, on 20 January 2013 - 07:33 PM, said:

When Rick was out on medical leave a few years ago, the old Winnipeg Jets PBP man called at least one game on the west coast trip. He was fantastic, and I had hoped that if Rick retired, he'd get the nod. Without looking it up, I'm not sure if he's calling the Jets games now, though. Former Bisons' and current Nashville Preds PBP announcer Pete Weber also called a game or 2 that year--- of course, he was the Sabres radio PBP man briefly after Ted Darling passed and Rick moved to TV--- post Gurtler and prior to the simulcast.

Weber was good, I remember him calling a game or two. Did he do color at one time too? Gurtler was awful.

[I am Marcellus]

Are you kiddin' me.  I mean, seriously, that fat old bloke can call an hockey game, for realz?!  I mean, you've got to be shittin' me for certain that Pornstashio Flexmeister can call a hockey game. Are you saying that that same dude who does all the interviews, also calls play by play?!  For realz, if that Pornstashio isn't that most talented Sabres reporter EVAH!!!

[BRAWNDO]

Kelly the Dog, on 20 January 2013 - 09:26 PM, said:

Pegula is an awesome owner, obviously. And he seems genuine. But it's pretty easy to just throw your money around if you have that kind of money. Not that most or even many people would; but it's easy nonetheless if you want to. To me, Ted Black is the most impressive guy in all of the Sabres organization, including players, coaches, and management. That dude is brilliant at his job.

Could not agree more.

[fiftyone]

Anyone have a link to Hamilton's calls of the goals?

[Andrew Amerk]

I like Sylvester, but not as PBP.

RJs son was awful when he called those West Coast trip games the other year.

I hope to hear RJ tomorrow!

[nucci]

Stormin Norman, on 20 January 2013 - 06:52 PM, said:

What teams did he do play-by-play for prior to the NHL?  College games?

Minor leagues.

[ThirtyEight]

http://www.wgr550.co...audioId=6205117

Think this is the highlights

[Peppy22]

he did a great job

[Stormin Norman]

Listened to it again this morning.  He does a great job on the crescendo and then doesn't overdo the, "He scores!"  But there's real energy behind the calls and it sounds very genuine.  Hamilton would be my number one backup in RJ's absence, for sure.  

I wonder what Rick's status will be for tonight.  It's on the road but only Toronto.  And I hope it's not more serious than the speculation it's the flu.  RJ is up there in age now.

Get well and HURRY BACK, Rick!

Edited by Stormin Norman, 21 January 2013 - 08:09 AM.

[sabres4life19]

Yuri Olesha, on 21 January 2013 - 12:00 AM, said:

Are you kiddin' me.  I mean, seriously, that fat old bloke can call an hockey game, for realz?!  I mean, you've got to be shittin' me for certain that Pornstashio Flexmeister can call a hockey game. Are you saying that that same dude who does all the interviews, also calls play by play?!  For realz, if that Pornstashio isn't that most talented Sabres reporter EVAH!!!

?

[PASabreFan]

Punch, on 20 January 2013 - 07:33 PM, said:

IIRC, in addition to last season, there was an earlier year where RJ took an extended medical sabbatical and Hamilton filled in. PASabreFan suggested 2009 in the GDT.

I don't think Rick has missed extended time for health reasons. Paul did a game in Phoenix in February 2009 when Rick started taking some of the West coast games off for rest and relaxation.

Punch, on 20 January 2013 - 07:33 PM, said:

When Rick was out on medical leave a few years ago, the old Winnipeg Jets PBP man called at least one game on the west coast trip. He was fantastic, and I had hoped that if Rick retired, he'd get the nod. Without looking it up, I'm not sure if he's calling the Jets games now, though. Former Bisons' and current Nashville Preds PBP announcer Pete Weber also called a game or 2 that year--- of course, he was the Sabres radio PBP man briefly after Ted Darling passed and Rick moved to TV--- post Gurtler and prior to the simulcast.

That would be Curt Keilback, who almost singlehandedly stole the show as the play by play announcer in "Goon." He didn't get the gig in Winnipeg this time around. As for Pete, I sure don't remember him doing any games recently. I don't think he did, but I don't trust my memory much these days.

[BuffaloBorn]

I liked Hamilton's calls, i'll always prefer R.J, but wouldn't mind Paul once R.J retires.

[PASabreFan]

But back to Paul... it's one thing for the Sabres to be OK with him filling in. It might even be contractually a decision given to the station. The "Voice of the Sabres" (and Rick says that title always will belong to Ted, but still...), especially if they continue with the simulcast, is a huge person in the branding and marketing efforts of the franchise. Nothing about this ownership says they are willing to let one penny go unwrung in the process, so going with Paul — who is not photogenic or particularly charismatic and certainly has roasted the franchise's balls on an open fire at times for years — doesn't even seem plausible to me. Even if the fans want it. Guess what, the bean counters don't listen to us.

[Peppy22]

Wondering who calls the game tonight...

[grinreaper]

sabres4life19, on 21 January 2013 - 08:58 AM, said:

?

Smashed.

[cmjoyce113]

I was pleasently surprised hearing some of his calls on the radio this morning on my drive into work. I can't stand his work when it comes to the Bills. I thought he sounded great on the call yesterday however. I could defintely see him replacing RJ when that time comes.

[d4rksabre]

PASabreFan, on 21 January 2013 - 09:21 AM, said:

But back to Paul... it's one thing for the Sabres to be OK with him filling in. It might even be contractually a decision given to the station. The "Voice of the Sabres" (and Rick says that title always will belong to Ted, but still...), especially if they continue with the simulcast, is a huge person in the branding and marketing efforts of the franchise. Nothing about this ownership says they are willing to let one penny go unwrung in the process, so going with Paul — who is not photogenic or particularly charismatic and certainly has roasted the franchise's balls on an open fire at times for years — doesn't even seem plausible to me. Even if the fans want it. Guess what, the bean counters don't listen to us.

I don't see how Paul is any less photogenic than Rick...

[Punch]

PASabreFan, on 21 January 2013 - 09:17 AM, said:

I don't think Rick has missed extended time for health reasons. Paul did a game in Phoenix in February 2009 when Rick started taking some of the West coast games off for rest and relaxation.

That would be Curt Keilback, who almost singlehandedly stole the show as the play by play announcer in "Goon." He didn't get the gig in Winnipeg this time around. As for Pete, I sure don't remember him doing any games recently. I don't think he did, but I don't trust my memory much these days.

You're right on both counts. Weber was already working for Nashville at that time. I believe I was thinking of Dan Dunleavy, who was referenced in the old thread that IKnowPhysics linked to. The "illness" was apparently only 2 games and was covered by Jim Lorentz. Everything's blurring together.