The CBC's "Hockey Night in Canada" announcer Bob Cole said that he is "excited about the prospect of coming back for another season of calling NHL games when Rogers takes over control of the airwaves," according to Curtis Rush of the TORONTO STAR. Cole "admits he was 'sad' to learn he would not be part of the coverage" of the CBC's Stanley Cup Final. He said that he "accepts the criticism from some fans that he has misidentified players from time to time, but resolves to do better." Asked if he thought about retiring after the '13-14 season, Cole said, “I didn’t think about retiring. I had no idea what CBC wanted. I didn’t seem to be all that comfortable (with retiring). That was before the announcement was made that they (CBC) are not going to be around anyway. Scott Moore (president of Sportsnet and NHL Hockey for Rogers) called and we began talking and I was delighted we did." Cole added of how long he will continue to call games, "Vin Scully and I are rolling along (laughs). I’ve never thought about it, you know? A good friend of mine in the sports business said anytime anyone asks you, just say, ‘I’m going to keep doing this until I get it right.’ I hope forever, but you know, it’s not going to happen, but to answer your question, no, I have not planned at any time for my retirement. I just enjoy it so much." Cole, when asked if he critiques his broadcasts, said, "I do air checks every now and then. ... I see that I could have done a little better there. Maybe I should do more" (THESTAR.com, 6/17).
WELCOME TO THE TEAM: Rogers yesterday announced Elliotte Friedman and Scott Oake will be joining its NHL broadcast team. Friedman, continuing in his role as an insider and reporter, makes his Sportsnet TV debut on July 1. Oake will continue to appear on "HNIC" every Saturday, as well as across national NHL broadcasts on Rogers as a reporter, starting this fall (Rogers).
