I produced HNIC from 1983 - 88. Initially, living and working in Calgary, then moving to Toronto in the summer of 1987.
You were the youngest producer in Hockey Night in Canada history. How tough was it be breaking in at Hockey Night In Canada at that age?
Breaking in with HNIC, frankly, was a no-win situation. I worked as a booth statistician for Tim Dancy and Gary Dornhoefer on ITV in Edmonton in April 1983. In December 1983, I walked into the rink, with the same production and technical crews, as the ITV show's producer. There were a large handful of people who were never, ever going to be able to accept the fact that a 22-year old kid was going to provide guidance to our telecasts. I knew more about hockey than anyone on that crew. I knew less about television production than everyone. And I knew less about handling crews and personalities than probably anyone on the planet. Frankly, if I was put into that situation again, knowing what I know now...it's still a no-win. I tried my level best every single day, but some folks simply were not going to buy into the program. And that's the nicest, most diplomatic way I can put that sentiment.
