630 Ched and the Edmonton Oilers will bid farewell to one of hockey's best "play-by-play" commentator.
After joining the club 37 years ago, Rod Philips will announce his very last Edmonton Oilers game when the club takes to the ice versus the Los Angeles Kings.
Mr. Philips officially retired last year, however the Oilers organization offered him to ease his way out of the press box by allowing him to announce, 10 fare-well games for the 2010/11 season. Mr. Philips jumped on the opportunity without hesitation, and tonight, game 10 will end "Rod's Classic's".
“I thought it would be kind of a nice way to end my career,” he said. “It’s been fun because all the road games that I did, my wife was able to be with me. She saw some cities she’s never seen before.
"I took her to some of the greasy bars that you all know about, showed her what we did on our off nights, a couple of good restaurants. The 10 games this year have been like a holiday, kind of a fun experience. I appreciate the Oilers giving me the opportunity to do it.”
There is no denying that Mr. Philips will feel a little emotional through-out the broadcast. Yet like all professionals, it's just a matter of being focused until the curtain falls.
“I’m going to do the game like it’s a regular game because that’s what it is,” he said. “I just want to focus on the game and do the best I can and at the end of it, there are no guarantees, I don’t know what’s going to happen.
“I hope that I’m able to remain a little bit sane and coherent. I know it’s going to be emotional.”
During his long and illustrious career, Mr. Philips was also inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and was awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2003.
"I’m very proud of that," says Phillips. "The Hockey Hall of Fame. It doesn’t get any better for a kid from Calmar."
Oilers vs Kings TSN or 630 Ched for audio...6:30pm Pacific time.
Even though I live in London, Ontario. I stream every game he calls. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be an Oilers fan.
ReplyDeleteThat is great to hear buddy. Rod is excellent, I already miss his voice. When I lived in Florence Italy I was unable to hear or watch broadcasts! I will have to change that next time, should I find myself living in another country. Perhaps I will buy a satellite feed of the games!
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