Popular Post RWJC Posted September 21, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted September 21, 2023 Ray Ferraro has wanted to be the Canucks analyst for 15 years "I didn't realize Cheech was gonna work another 20 years! Cheech looked old in 1995!" Daniel Wagner Becoming the Vancouver Canucks' colour commentator has been a long time coming for Ray Ferraro. Ferraro was born in Trail, B.C., and grew up watching the Canucks. More than that, he's lived in Vancouver for years. Calling Canucks games in his own backyard has understandably been of interest to him. In fact, Ferraro first asked to be the Canucks' next television analyst all the way back in 2008 — 15 years ago. He shared the story on the Bob McCown Podcast with John Shannon and Daren Millard on Wednesday. "I started at Sportsnet when I retired in October of 2002," said Ferraro. "Craig Simpson was leaving broadcasting, going go to coach with the Oilers at the time, he was one of the assistant coaches. So, the opportunity opened up and I got recommended to go audition — I didn't really know what that was about, I'd not done any games before. I auditioned, I got the job, so for the next five years, I worked in Edmonton, but I lived in Vancouver. "My contract was coming up and I said to Sportsnet at the time, completely naive of much in the broadcast world, 'Hey look, I don't really want to keep flying to Edmonton to do games and fly back home. When John Garrett retires, I want to be the Vancouver Canucks analyst.' The brass at the time said, 'No, we can't guarantee that.' That was in 2008." It's no wonder that Sportsnet couldn't make any guarantees at the time. In 2008, Garrett was a long way from retiring. He didn't step back from the Canucks' regional broadcasts until just this past season and he's expected to still call some national games this year. "I didn't realize Cheech was gonna work another 20 years!" added Ferraro. "Cheech looked old in 1995!" With no guarantees from Sportsnet, Ferraro left when his contract expired, signing first with TSN, frequently broadcasting Toronto Maple Leafs games. He then signed with ESPN and ABC as lead colour commentator for their national broadcasts. When Sportsnet finally called saying the Canucks job was open, Ferraro jumped at the chance. "I got a call asking if I'd be interested in this. I mean, I've been watching Canucks games since 1970," said Ferraro. "The opportunity...to do games at home is something I've never had before. I didn't want to travel anymore, that's why I left doing the TSN games in Toronto. Each game I did was three days. I had to get there, do the game, and come home. Now, it's three hours and the difference is immeasurable. I literally get in the car, drive 15 minutes and I'm at the rink." Ferraro said that he'll likely only be doing 20 Canucks games this season due to "contractual limitations" this year because of his previous work with TSN. That likely means a non-compete clause in his contract with TSN that ensures he can't work too much for a rival network within a certain period of time. While Ferraro became known for calling games between the benches, he won't be in that spot in Vancouver. "No, I'm not, I'm upstairs," said Ferraro. "I love it down there, I think it's the best place to broadcast the game from...I would prefer to be downstairs, it's just not going to work, at least this year, anyway." Ferraro also addressed the potential conflict of interest he would have as a broadcaster married to an assistant manager of the team he's covering. Understandably, he doesn't think it's an issue. "Quite frankly, it really pisses me off," said Ferraro. "My job is not to dissect every management move or to dissect everything that's going on from a critical eye. My job is to broadcast the games. Cheech was beloved here in Vancouver, right? He had an amazing run and during the game, the last time he critiqued management was 19-never. Because that's not what you do. That's not what the broadcast is about. The broadcast is about the game and the players and the community of the team." Fair enough. https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/canucks-hockey/ray-ferraro-has-wanted-to-be-the-canucks-analyst-for-15-years-7577327 7 6 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post HorvatToBaertschi Posted September 21, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted September 21, 2023 We are very lucky to have him after 20 years of being lucky to have Garrett. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWJC Posted September 21, 2023 Author Share Posted September 21, 2023 Just now, HorvatToBaertschi said: We are very lucky to have him after 20 years of being lucky to have Garrett. Totally agree. Tomlinson AND Ferraro and we get to keep Shorty?!? All for future considerations? GOOD TRADE! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Odd. Posted September 21, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted September 21, 2023 “Tyler Myers, you oughtta be ashamed of yourself! That does not belong in the National Hockey League!!” - Ferraro after a Myers giveaway 25 seconds left in the period. 2 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aldergrove Canuck Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 22 minutes ago, Odd. said: “Tyler Myers, you oughtta be ashamed of yourself! That does not belong in the National Hockey League!!” - Ferraro after a Myers giveaway 25 seconds left in the period. To be fair, he was criticizing a player, not management, not directly at least lol. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 Gotta appreciate his fandom anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post tas Posted September 21, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted September 21, 2023 the canucks have been absolutely blessed with broadcasters since their inception. robson, larscheid, hughson, shorthouse, garrett, now ferraro, and others. it's slim pickens around the rest of the league and always has been; canucks fans should be endlessly grateful for the folks we've had narrate our team for us over the last 50+ years. 1 10 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JIAHN Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 I loved Cheech's rambling broadcasts, just a great guy, doing his job. Great Stories! But, he did not have much of a critical eye, and I think Ferraro might not be as soft in that regards. LOL.....not sure he will last! LOL Personally, I like his style! Great addition! Still loved Cheech though! We have been pretty lucky here, going back to the days of Jim Robinson, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck You Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 Welcomed addition! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steamer4GM Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 Couldn’t be happier. Huge RF fan. Even paid $50 for him to do a Cameo vid for a buddy’s birthday a few years back 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rip The Mesh Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 If I were Ray; I would not worry about an assistant being married, Or anyone being married to any media member, play, Zamboni driver or any numerous other possibilities. If you know someone, you know them. Don't sweat it.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Crossbar Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 1 hour ago, tas said: it's slim pickens 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RawkDrummer Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 Broadcasts will be more in depth with Ray. That's a positive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Crossbar Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 (edited) I've been hot and cold on Ray. I don't dislike him. I think some have way overhyped him. He's good. I'm totally open to this, hope he succeeds, and wins me over. Edited September 21, 2023 by Dr. Crossbar 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coconuts Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 I just hope he does a good job Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hogtown Canuck Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 Really stoked to have him as the colour guy. He has lots of insight onto the game. Hope he is a real homer. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sophomore Jinx Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 4 hours ago, Odd. said: “Tyler Myers, you oughtta be ashamed of yourself! That does not belong in the National Hockey League!!” - Ferraro after a Myers giveaway 25 seconds left in the period. Nice bud haha... "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen..." That Ferraro call on the Patrik Stefan gaffe is still as awesome today as it was then 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeyD Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 All I want is for him to riff with shorty and I'll continue to enjoy him. Shorty needs fun people. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tas Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 2 minutes ago, MikeyD said: All I want is for him to riff with shorty and I'll continue to enjoy him. Shorty needs fun people. shouldn't be an issue. after listening to him for years on donnie and the moj and bmac and taylor, he should fit right in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeyD Posted September 21, 2023 Share Posted September 21, 2023 3 minutes ago, tas said: shouldn't be an issue. after listening to him for years on donnie and the moj and bmac and taylor, he should fit right in. I find it depends on his gig. Some roles he plays a lot more seriously than others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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