Thank YOU

I'm not writing this as the PA announcer for the Ottawa Senators, but as a Dad. You can even replace "Sens" with your team if you like.  

My 7 year old played hockey for the first time this year and more importantly the Sens showed up on his radar. He wanted to know the outcome of every game, including who was the starting goaltender. After his own games he asked which member of the Sens he played like on that night. He cheered with every Sens win and wanted to dissect every loss. 

The names of Alfie, Phillips, Neil, Spezza, Karlsson are now part of his vocabulary.

His younger sister just likes chanting "Go Sens Go" and is happy Spartacat isn't going anywhere. 

So, this Dad thanks the Ottawa Senators. For giving my kids something to cheer for and for making them fans. 

Here's to the #PeskySens for a memorable season and Alfie coming back for one more year.

Ever see a monkey talk into a microphone?

Gold never gets old...

Watching Canada win gold in men's hockey last February never gets old. Here's a 10 minute piece that was put together with reaction from across the country. As the Sens kick off another season, one can only hope someone does a similar compilation when the Cup heads down Elgin street in June (hopefully June 2011!). After watching this video you'll need a double double from Tim Horton's, a visit to Canadian Tire and the need to put on a toque. It's a must watch for any proud Canadian.

Wine wine wine and Leaf nation...

Since introducing my own wine for charity last November at the wine & food show, I've answered lots of questions so it's time for a FAQ page:

1. Why did you do it?

I've always wanted to host my own golf tournament or gala but there's enough of them and I wanted to try something different.

2. How much does the Sens foundation get?

The Sens foundation gets $2 from every bottle. We have 2000 bottles, and even my grade 1 math can figure out that equals a $4,000 donation.

3. How much do you get, are the Sens paying you to do this?

Nothing, and no. I have kids and see how hard the Sens foundation works for various organizations. I've toured Rogers House several times and as a parent, it's the last place you ever want to be but thankful if you need it.

4. Did you make this wine in your basement?

No! I've partnered up with Huff Estates in Prince Edward County and they produce the "Stuntman Stu Red Line Merlot" along with many other fine wines.

5. Where can I get the wine?

Go to stuntmanstu.com and click on the left hand side where you see the wine bottle. It's one click and the wine is delivered to your home or office in 3 days.

6. Why can't I get it at the LCBO?

Without getting too technical, there's many costs behind the scenes and it would be much more than the 19.95 you're paying now.

7. When is the White coming out?

It's in the plans but nothing just yet. We're open to all kinds of feedback.

8. Can I order it with dinner at a restaurant?

Yes, the list is still growing and you can see which restaurants are involved on my blog, just below the wine tab.

Thanks to everyone who has supported this project so far. The next time you're hosting a dinner party or trying to come up with a cool gift idea for a wine lover on your list, give my wine a try and help support the Sens foundation at the same time.

We've even had some Leaf fans buy some bottles too...

I'm going to save Melnyk 100 million..

Here's how I'm gonna do it...sort of.

Sens owner Eugene Melnyk was in town this week talking about his new soccer stadium and how it's going to cost 110 million dollars. We don't need a stadium, we need a new scoreboard at Scotiabank Place.

Yes, the Sens potential of missing the playoffs notwithstanding, the current Sanyo that sits over the ice (while classic) is like having an old TV while all your friends are watching on a 52 inch Plasma. Mr. Melnyk spends 10 million on the biggest scoreboard available on the planet giving him the ultimate bragging rights, thus guaranteeing 41 sell outs a season and no need for a soccer stadium.

Yes, this is what goes through my head during a Sens game.

So, do you want this:


















Or this:

Ottawa hockey fans are dumb...

I was asked over the weekend how announcing at the World Juniors compares to working during the Sens run in the Stanley Cup finals 2 years ago. It's a different type of feeling announcing a Canadian goal, knowing every hockey fan from across the country is cheering along and while the players won't settle for anything less then gold, rest assured neither will I. Selfishly, like all Sens fans I desperately wanted to announce "Now, please welcome your Stanley Cup champion Ottawa Senators" and while it looks like that won't happen again for a while (given their struggles this season) here's hoping team Canada can not only make it to the gold medal game, but win it all.

If you were at the Kazakhstan/Canada game you would have heard me say after a penalty ended "The Teams are now playing at equal strength". My blackberry light up immediately with the following:

"No $&#& Sherlock"
"Thanks Tips"
"Great, are there 2 bluelines too!"

When I found out about the IIHF's rule prior to the game I was convinced they were pulling my leg and it was a joke.

Who is this announcement supposed to benefit?

The coaches know when the play is back to 5 on 5

The players know when the play is back to 5 on 5

The fans can clearly count 5 players on each side

One guy wrote me with this:

"Hey Stuntclown, do you think Ottawa hockey fans are dumb or what? You are announcing the obvious you moron".

I don't think Ottawa hockey fans are dumb and if your going to another game, let Stuntclown advise you that there will be 2 zamboni's on the ice during the intermission.