Today I was announced as the newest play-by-play broadcaster for the Fraser Valley Bandits Professional Basketball Team.
The appointment marks the latest chapter in a modest, yet gratifying sports broadcasting career that has lasted far longer than I ever could have hoped for. I am extremely grateful to the Fraser Valley Bandits organization, led by Operations Director, Andrew Savory. As well, my thanks and appreciation extend to the Canadian Elite Basketball League, Commissioner Mike Morreale, and President of the Ottawa BlackJacks, Mike Cvitkovic for helping confirm my role within the Bandits broadcast team.
Our team is an embarrassment of riches in my opinion and when I saw the roster, I couldn’t help but smile when I saw Shantelle Chand’s name among the broadcast crew. For those who listened to our late-night show on TSN1040 Sports Radio, this will mark the first time since the station’s demise that we will be reunited on-air. I have always been a huge supporter and believer in Shantelle's work and I know that her passion for basketball will showcase her skills, even more, this coming season.
We both were blown away when we realized that former Fraser Valley Bandits forward Ransford Brempong would be sitting beside me this season providing commentary for our broadcasts. Between his knowledge of the CEBL and his time spent with the Canadian National Basketball program, our games will have a presence that will provide viewers and listeners alike with insight that I believe will enhance the entire broadcast package this summer.
I am really excited to get started as we have all circled our first home game, July 8. The team opens the season on the road beginning June 26th. We will cover the home games for this season due to the lingering effects of the pandemic.
This season, I have chosen to donate my Fraser Valley Bandits broadcast wages to the Abbotsford Hospice Society & Holmberg House. Having seen first-hand the support and dedication that staff and volunteers provide to our community are more than enough motivation for me to ensure these families and caregivers know how much we support and value them. I am grateful to Sid Bos, a community leader within the Fraser Valley for introducing me to the Holmberg House and showing me some of the amazing work these programs and services offer to those in need.
To those who have supported me and followed my broadcast journey, I hope you are as excited as I am. I have always looked to take steps forward in my broadcasting career and going from Nat Bailey Stadium and the rich history that draped the Vancouver Canadians to the fresh, vibrant Bandits organization that is just beginning to write its own history is something I couldn't wait to become a part of. The Bandits very much remind me of what the Vancouver Canadians were when I first arrived at Nat Bailey Stadium back in 2007 with the sky being the limit, and the right people in the right positions with no ego, and a team-first mentality. It will be good to step back into that light once again.
This is a great opportunity to help develop the game of basketball here in Canada. I look forward to bringing my voice to the Fraser Valley and across the Lower Mainland proudly representing Bandits Basketball.
