Former Vancouver Canucks players Ryan Kesler and Michael Del Zotto participated in the first-ever NHL Broadcast Training Camp last week. The event, held on July 17 at the NHL offices in Manhattan, included nine current and retired players. The camp focused on various aspects of broadcasting, such as game preparation, reporting, studio work, and social media and podcasting skills, as detailed by the league.
The camp featured instruction from notable NHL broadcasters, including Kenny Albert, Steve Levy, Ashlyn Sullivan, and ex-players who have transitioned to broadcasting, like Eddie Olczyk and Brian Boucher. Louis Domingue, another former Canuck now with the New York Rangers, was also in attendance.
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly explained that the camp was part of a broader initiative to help players consider post-career opportunities. By providing resources and guidance, the NHL aims to assist players in planning for life beyond hockey.
Garnet Hathaway, Erik Johnson, Devante Smith-Pelly and Ryan Kesler were among the nine current and recently retired players who took part in the first NHL Broadcast Training Camp at the @NHL offices on July 17.
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Kesler, who is looking to follow the path of his former Canucks teammate Kevin Bieksa, would benefit from the camp. Bieksa, who retired in 2018, has since become an award-winning broadcaster with CBC and Sportsnet. Kesler and Bieksa were teammates with the Canucks from 2005 to 2014 and with the Anaheim Ducks from 2015 to 2018, during which they achieved significant success, including winning the Presidents’ Trophy in consecutive years and reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2011.
Alongside Kesler and Del Zotto, other participants included Garnet Hathaway, Erik Johnson, Chris Wagner, Nate Thompson, Devante Smith-Pelly, and Darius Kasparaitis. Del Zotto praised the camp, calling it a valuable experience and encouraging other former players to attend. He described the program as a “no-brainer” and a great learning opportunity, recommending it to any of his former teammates interested in broadcasting.
