‘Bring the noise’: Vancouver Canucks announcer sets the scene for Game 2
Posted April 23, 2024 1:41 pm.
It’s no secret Rogers Arena came alive during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with Vancouver Canucks fans out in full force to cheer on their team against the Nashville Predators.
But what was it like for one of the most iconic voices in the arena?
“It was as electrifying as it’s ever been,” said Al Murdoch, public address announcer for the Canucks.
“I go back to when I started. The first time I was behind the mic for the Canucks was during the 2011 run to the Stanley Cup and, obviously, that’s a long time ago. And I think [Sunday night] exceeded the volume levels in there. I had goosebumps upon goosebumps, just like the fans did.”
Murdoch recalls the 2010 Olympics and Sydney Crosby’s golden goal, saying you could hear the cheers from outside the arena. Monday night was like that — if not louder — he says.
“Being inside Rogers Arena … it was absolutely deafening,” he added.
Canucks fans had Rogers Arena shaking
Broadcasters working in the building Sunday described the whole arena shaking, some saying they could barely hear the on-air reports.
In one instance, the head of Sportsnet 650 said he had to cover his headphones just to hear his hosts speak.
For Murdoch, the energy kept him going.
“First and foremost, I’m a fan, and I bring a little bit of that into my job. As a public address announcer for a team, you’ve got two jobs to do. Your job is to first, inform, and then second, entertain. And the entertainment part last night was just over the top,” he said Monday,
“The hair on my arms still stand up just thinking about how amazing it was [Sunday] night.”
Ever the professional, Murdoch says he’s able to keep his composure behind the mic.
But of course, when the home team scores, a little more excitement comes through.
“When we score a goal, I’m going to pump it up, and when the opposition scores, I’m going to announce it but with less enthusiasm,” he joked.
With Game 2 of the series set to go Tuesday night, Murdoch says fans can expect “more of the same” energy, and hopes it’ll ramp up further.
“The excitement is building. If the crowd can bring that much noise and that much enthusiasm and excitement and response and love for their home team, if they can do that again [Tuesday] night, it’s like being an extra person on the ice. It really makes a difference,” Murdoch said.
“If I had three words to say for Canuck nation for tomorrow night’s game, it’s: bring the noise.”
The Canucks picked up Game 1 of the series against the Predators 4-2 Sunday. Some fans are feeling a little uneasy, however, going into Game 2, with starting goaltender Thatcher Demko out with an injury.
Regardless of how the series turns out, Murdoch is ready and thrilled to be a part of it.
“I’m very grateful. I mean, I know how fortunate of a position I’m in and how lucky I am being behind the mic and announcing the team on the ice, announcing all of the amazing goals that they scored Sunday night and will continue to score throughout the playoffs,” he said.
“Go Canucks Go!”
