I’m back on the radio, today at noon Edmonton time. Sports 1440 is the location and you can hear it online, podcast after the fact and via multiple formats. I hope you tune in. It’s going to be a blast. There are 1440 minutes in a day, did you know that?
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: What to expect from Oilers rookies, led by Raphael Lavoie
- Lowetide: Evander Kane, Connor Brown and the Oilers’ aging skill wingers
- Lowetide: Making the early call on the Edmonton Oilers’ 2019 NHL Draft haul
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers 2023-24 complete reasonable expectations
- Lowetide: What should Oilers fans expect from new scouting director Richard Pracey?
- Lowetide: How will Tyler Wright’s time with the Oilers be remembered?
- Lowetide: Is trading Philip Broberg in the Oilers’ future?
- Lowetide: Unpacking Oilers’ decision to hire Rick Pracey, part ways with Tyler Wright
- Lowetide: 9 bold Edmonton Oilers predictions for 2023-24
- Lowetide: The NHL offseason’s 5 most risky moves and what they mean for 2023-24
- Lowetide: USHL has produced some of NHL’s top talent. Is it hockey’s best junior league?
- Lowetide: The Edmonton Oilers and their dilemma at centre
- Lowetide: NHL teams that are best positioned to take advantage of the 2024 free-agent watershed
- Lowetide: New Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson promises innovation. What will it look like?
- Lowetide: For Oilers in 2023-24, a more aggressive in-season approach is likely
- Lowetide: Why skating ability has such an impact on NHL Draft scouting and success
- Lowetide: What Oilers’ Jeff Jackson hire could mean for front-office’s future
- Lowetide: Oilers sign forward Ryan McLeod to 2-year extension: What it means for Edmonton
- Lowetide: Connor McDavid, the Art Ross and challenging Wayne Gretzky’s record
- Lowetide: How Oilers’ pro scouting upgrade helped elevate team in 2022-23
- Lowetide: Projecting Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard’s points for 2023-24
- Lowetide: Oilers’ graduate a strong group of prospects to pro this fall
- Lowetide: How Oilers’ veteran roster, cap issues could impact Raphael Lavoie
- Lowetide: What the Oilers are getting in 2023 NHL Draft pick Beau Akey
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers top 20 prospects, summer 2023
- DNB: 10 questions with director of amateur scouting Tyler Wright
WHAT IS PAST
I started my first radio job (Wetaskiwin) at 1440 on the dial on June 15, 1980. I started a broadcasting life at the same time as a bunch of talented young people who would go on to great things. Ron Clark is one of the most talented people I’ve ever worked with. Sheila Gardner was there for about one month, she was so talented K97 hired her purely on an aircheck that would blow your mind. Valerie Runyon was an outstanding writer, beautiful inside and out. Colleen Buxton had a wicked sense of humor, I laughed until I cried one afternoon at Boston Pizza because she was so damned funny.
Ray Stout was a crusty and hilarious newsman, a mentor who taught me a lot in short space of time. He borrowed London Calling by The Clash because he wanted to learn about punk and came back raving about “Jimmy Jazz” for days and days. Connie Satre ran the place despite having only “secretary” behind her name. Her husband introduced me to Southern Comfort so he has a special place in my heart (and liver).
All of the broadcasters had more natural talent than me, and I’m not being humble, it’s a fact. I had to work very hard, going over airchecks and finding what worked for me. You find out a lot about yourself by overcoming challenges in your career. Mine included a high pitched voice, nasal voice (talking through my nose instead of diaphragm), talking too fast and not paying attention. I was the whole package!!
I had so many things to work on it never occurred to me that quitting was an option. Maybe that’s the key. I was looking for a place to call home and found it in Wetaskiwin, Red Deer, Regina and then for most of the last 35 years in Edmonton.
I’ll walk through those doors today and meet the new Ron and Valerie, shake hands with the new Connie and Ray. I’ll never forget the original, nor the “Adams Motors Gospel Song of the Hour” nor the Debaji’s nor the kind people of Wetaskiwin. It’s been a journey.
WHAT MAY COME
This is it, the final one. The last chance Texaco. I feel energized and ready for a brand new day. I believe there’s one more coupon for this radio man to reinvent himself, and it begins today. I’ll be on the air today noon to 2pm on 1440. You can tune in:
• sports1440.ca; iHeartRadio; Radioplayer Canada; YouTube; Facebook
• text or call 1.833.401.1440
• The Lowdown is driven by Wolfe GMC Buick. New name, but same great team. Find them on the corner of 184 street and Stony Plain Road. Wolfe GMC Buick dot com.I hope you do. This enterprise represents what is good about Edmonton, about the independence and entrepreneurial spirit of the city. This is a marriage between Stingray Radio and a bunch of local broadcasters, but it’s really about two driven people who overcame much in order to find a way. Jason Gregor you know, Susan Reade you may know, but whatever may come remember those two names. They brought Edmonton sports radio to life and back to you moments before the death rattle.
I don’t preach to people, mostly because it never worked for me. I’m the soft sell. I want you to know that this enterprise needs you. It needs your ears, it needs your active involvement (text me or drop me a note on twitter or here in the comments section) and it needs you to patronize our sponsors. The good patronize, not the other one.
WHAT SHALL WE TALK ABOUT?
Today’s show will be a little different because it’s the first one, but I want the content to be fun, targeted, topical and unique.
Rachel Doerrie will be my first guest today at 12:20. She has a fascinating resume that includes working with and for NHL teams, working in media and developing models that evaluate draft classes. She has written about it several times, recently here and here. She liked the Beau Akey selection, both of those articles are worth your time. She also wrote an article called All Math, No Opinion and the title alone is fantastic. I kicked myself for not thinking of it. We’ll talk about her draft model, and I’m hoping we’ll find out how much more information NHL teams have behind the wall that is not publicly available.
Also on today’s show is Bruce McCurdy from the Cult of Hockey. We’ll chat about the Cult’s recently completed top-20 prospects (Bruce rolled out a new number one earlier today, just like Casey Kasem and AT40) and the Oilers end of the roster decisions before opening night.
We’ll also spend some time with my new producer, Declan Krueger. He has an English first name and a German surname, so he might be a member of the British royal family. We’ll find out today. As you know, new producers go through a grueling on-air question period. That will happen on the show today.
THE JOURNEY
Not so long ago, I would not have had the energy to undertake this project. However, I had a ‘hippie summer’ of not much to do, enjoyed it thoroughly and am now starting anew. This is the first mountain I’ve climbed without my life partner, so it is bitter and sweet for me today. I know she would want me to be happy, and my happy place is in front of a microphone. I have a lot to say, about sports and about life. I hope you tune in today.
Heartfelt congrats, LT – there is redemption after darkness.
May the Oilers follow suit!
Listening to today’s show.
Funny tidbit about myself and Ma Kettle.
On our third date, she said something to me that I had never verbalized to another living soul, but had been on the back of my mind for years.
“I’ve long believed I have a learning disability that’s been masked by an incredible vocabulary.”
I knew then it was kismet, but waited another few months to confirm.
Just after, you pivoted to cervezas. Pacifico and Tecate all day. A man of great taste.
Sorry to pick some nits here, LT, but wanted to point out that specific spelling Declan is merely an Anglicized version of what is originally an Irish name. I point this out because this name was on our shortlist for our second son, so I spent a fair amount of time investigating/considering it as an option.
Source: Wikipedia
It appears Patrick Kane wants to sign in Detroit.
https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/blackhawks-news/rumor-patrick-kane-interested-in-joining-red-wings-reconnecting-with-alex-debrincat/505062/
So good to hear you on the airwaves again today LT, welcome back! I hope it was everything and more you hoped it to be!
I was in E-town today and tried to spy on the Captain’s Practice, but I couldn’t get any intell. The curtains were drawn and the security doors were closed up.
Oh well, in another week we are 7 days closer to the beginning of the season.
Also for tomorrow am: Go Cadaver!!”
OMG, I am so sorry I don’t bloody know how Canada turned into such a different word, friggin AutoCorrect, clearly I need the ADHD AI version.
Missed the show today. Not in Canada. Is it going to be uploaded to Soundcloud?
Its here for now:
https://shows.acast.com/the-lowdown-with-lowetide
Hoping it will be on apple pods (and the regular pods platforms) shortly.
Thanks.
Are you able to send topless selfies from your trip?
As Seinfeld once said not that there’s anything wrong with that.
A good listen.
Of course, Jackson isn’t giving away trade secrets, however, a couple of tidbits:
1) On the Wright/Pracey swap, Jackson spoke about how important relationships are and we simply didn’t have one with Tyler Wright. He did have one with Rick Pracey and the org was lucky he came available when he did (if there wasn’t management change-over in Philly he likely would have been heading up their group). He has a relationship with Pracey, he provides big connections in the East which is important and he is VERY organized and prepared.
2) Spoke about needing to do a better job of developing drafting players between draft day and the day they turn pro and move on. Both on ice and off ice development. They plan to take a more proactive approach like they did at the agency.
3) Given win now and lack of draft picks and the potential to have a lack of picks over the next few years, Jackson agreed with Stauffer’s suggestion that they would need to find other routes to find young prospects. Need to find players and to find late bloomers. Need to look at a player in the 3rd and 4th round and ask what their upside is? Is there something in their game that, if we work on, can turn them in to elite prospects?
4) Analytics? Yes, making headway. There is a list of things we are looking at carefully. Looking at building the current department in to something more substantial. Want the Oilers to be first in class in everything we do. Its incumbent on management to do everything well so we can have a long run. It may be “win now” but we want to compete for a long time.
This is so good in so many ways
It shows that Jackson gets that windows are self imposed. No team can win whenever they want to, but they can do everything to keep themselves in the hunt, and actually being involved in player development is absolutely massive. Many players with talent just need that push forward. Especially if you’re good and draft lower
Tanking and drafting high still has a lot of luck in it. We all love Nuge but if that was the only 1OV, you need a different plan because he’s a complimentary player, still the best in his cohort
The best teams in any sport operate in the best and most advanced ways. And stay competitive.Very chuff about this
Lots of good stuff here as it looks like Jackson has already done more than Nicholson ever did with much more to come.
One little concern: his comments about relationships may possibly indicate that he could lack the humility to realize that someone he currently doesn’t have a relationship could be better for the club than someone whom he does have a relationship with. Hope I’m wrong about this.
OBC redux.
— So awesome the back drop to your radio career. You’ve dropped some tidbits over the years but this was more complete
— Glad to have you share the great news
* Kinger starts doing google searches on Ray Stout Coleen Baxter, etc…*
Bob Stauffer
@Bob_Stauffer
·
34m
Philip Broberg will be a very interesting player to watch this season.
Averaged 12:54 TOI in 69 NHL regular season games played to date.
Could see the 8th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft push for more playing time…possibly on the right side.
————————-
I do think that Stauffer reads the comments on this blog and use his changing opinion on Broberg’s upcoming deployment over the off-season as evidence.
Stauff started the off-season suggesting that maybe the AHL is a place for Broberg to start to get big minutes, then he progressed to the coaching staff relying on him more and giving him a push and, over the last month, he’s been talking about Broberg in the top 4 on the right side (citing potential to play with Ekholm but maybe Nurse).
My manifestation spell is weak and crude, but it is slowly working.
Starting working on the 2nd manifestation spell. “There are FOUR lines”.
You aren’t alone on this one though and, truth be told, Stauff has suggested Ekholm/Broberg more than Nurse/Broberg….
Could Bob have been clued in that Broberg trade value is not aided when the talking head of the team is not high on Mr. Hollands prized pick of 2019.
“Video and Coaching Analytics Coordinator”.
“Coaching Analytics” – I wonder if this role is related to getting real time data to the coach?
Perhaps the bio data info that starting to be available?
Perhaps its an analytical pre-scout of the teams coming up on the schedule or even current on-ice analytical data – numbers and information that could help the coach in real time and with real in-game deployment and structure?
OP I’m not sure how real time analytics would help a good coach. To me where a good analytics person has impact is if they can identify and focus on the germane data and can convince the coaches of what is going on. As many have said, getting data isn’t the issue, it’s actually probably too much data. The hard part is parsing out the good stuff and making sense of it
Keying in on pairings that aren’t working for example and why some guys don’t pair well with others. The coaches get stuck on things as we see. Presenting stats that are relevant to the systems used. I would think Vegas is right on it given their quick response in the playoffs to lines, or maybe Cassidy just knows what he’s watching
Also that they obviously key on limiting high danger shots given their defensive structure. I can’t understand why any team wouldn’t set up to limit them. The math says so. Let them shoot from the boards and point all day
Crazy Coach’s Box Plus One that Vegas used was really effective limiting access to the net front, which plays have way higher success stats than perimeter shots and banging away at the side of the net. Especially once they really dialed down on it after giving up a goal or two, the Good Guys had trouble getting higher quality plays as I see it
I think that D structure would be great for the Oilers, with Connor as the Plus One, lurking and ready to take off up ice. And any mook can play it
Vegas’ Director of Analytics is Dustin Walsh.
He was a founder and Operations Manger of Stathletes.
Highly regarded.
What do you think of Sheldon Keefe as a coach?
I believe he was the first to incorporate real time analytics while on the bench, as head coach of the SSM Greyhounds.
I wonder what type of data would help in realtime? My guess is heartrate or energy levels. Most other ones i suspect are still vulnerable to luck. Billy bean famously refused to watch the games and worked out during them cuz he was paranoid he’d overreact to luck. If you watch lionnel messi he’ll walk around for 6 min then boom a perfectly timed run and a goal (would his heart rate matter, maybe for the generational talents you just let em play lol). Dont have a good answer here
As far as prospects go, what has the org signaled?
I mean, I heard nothing about Skinner, then later an insider stated they knew he was the best in the AHL. For Desharnais, Woodcroft signaled he would be part of the big club, starting talking about him ahead of Samorukov etc.
Is there much indication from the club on any favorites?
Stauffer in his new time slot today, likely to not have to get back to competing with LT at noon, has an exclusive with Jeff Jackson.
A question for OP and other Bake scouts
As we look towards the Condor’s season what’s the thoughts on Chalk as he heads into his coaching duties?
I recall some chatter last season about a reluctance to use younger fellas in top cheese roles but can’t remember the timing of that chatter. Are folks excited, nervous, leery?
Edit – spelled Chaulk wrong.
Also see with Hoefenmayer and Stonehouse that the oils are digging around the quite good Ott 67s program a lately. Smart.
I know Chalk took some heat over the amount of icetime the youngsters were getting. In my opinion this is normal and part of his job. It is a tough league, lots of tweeners still trying to make the big team. Big hits, dirty hits, fights. It is a wise idea to roll out more vets as cover for the younger players. As the year continues the youngsters do get more ice time. Its normal to me.
As far as other coaching abilities, I have no idea.
Kind of yes and no – I mean, Tulio, Philp and Savoie definitely started at the bottom of the roster and needed to earn higher leverage minutes (and Savoie never really did) but Bourgault started in the top 6 and on the PK from the very start.
Bourgalt was never healthy scratches (even when his play dipped) but each of Tulio, Philp, Savoie and even Lavoie did see the press box as healthy scratches.
I definitely ripped on Chaulk early for his reliance on the vets over those listed prospect but, hot damn, if Tulio, Philp and Lavoie didn’t each show MASSIVE development through the season.
Lavoie’s progression post-Christmas is well documented but both Tulio and Philp showed massive massive massive development.
Savoie didn’t really but he was hurt pretty much all season and never gained traction.
I really hope Philip is ok. He was trending in a great direction, so much so that he looked like a possible callup for cover next season, or the year after.
No idea what’s going on and get that personal life is more important than hockey, but boy did I think he was a guy that might be able to eke out a role with the big team (future DRyan replacement).
I actually do know what the personal issue is but don’t believe I am at liberty to divulge but I will say that it stems from an incident/personal tragedy in his life a few years ago.
This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you very much.
Good to hear – you are welcome.
So good to hear your voice on the air again. Your voice is comforting like a favorite warm blanket or sweater on a cool day, like today. My excitement for the season just got a massive jolt. Here’s to a fantastic year for you,1440 and of course the Oilers!
I’ve never been so happy to hear another man’s voice! Welcome back to the air LT! Thank you 1440.
I got up at 6 am this Wednesday morning and trying to listen, I was told that I can not listen outside of Canada. Anyone know a link to hear the station as I am still in New Zealand for another 6 weeks.
iheartradio app.
The iheart radio app, as of right now, does not have the station available in the US, and probably not internationally for the same reason that the live station can’t be streamed. As of right now their international distribution rights limits them to Canada. Don’t know if that will change, and maybe not till they go 24 hour sport talk radio, but it hasn’t so far. VPN in any country that it is allowed, like the US, can be a temporary solution.
The Gregor show is also being streamed on YouTube, but not the other shows yet. Because that is strictly Gregor’s show, which he owns, I believe it is not limited in where it can be broadcast.
VPN works for me. I am in Mexico.
When I am in Edmonton I am usually driving a lot and there was only one station for me. I love being able to hear so much Oilers through the day. I have been coming less lately, and don’t have to miss a beat because 1440 got going in such a quick hurry. Thanks to all!
All the best LT, you’ll crush it no doubt!
Al, I wish you all the best in your new venture. At least one of us is in Wetaskiwin. Glad that I can actually listen to you now as you are no longer up against the show we sponsor. Is it okay to say “break a leg”
Congrats on the new gig, LT! Looking forward to hearing you and Bruce on the airwaves again.
I will click the buttons and whatnot!
Thank all involved for getting this sports radio going. Sounds dramatic but I have listened to 1260 for years to get my hockey fix and leading into this new season without any hockey radio was looking Brutal. Listening to the new station now. Hope everyone tunes in.
Been waiting for this week for a while – the combination of 1440 and Edmonton Sports Talk (launching tomorrow) has all the good stuff back.
I’ll have LT and Gregor Show pods for the gym tomorrow – Stauffer and Escott revert back to “back up” – ha ha.
Always good to have Bruce back on the air.
I highly recommend all of Bruce’s prospect reports (and not just because he sought some words from, well, me, for many of them…..).
Good luck today Lowetide!
In my truck, the signal was a little staticky on the north side, but I put the site on my phone and now on my computer and it is crystal clear. Very much enjoying this discussion with Grant Fuhr, I think he will be a great contributor on Tuesdays. Today is a great day for you and your fans. Looking forward to it!
Have fun today! Looking forward to hearing your comforting tones over the airwaves again today.
AM radio will never be defeated.
I was tuning in on the way in and the station was pretty static. The other stations were ok. Maybe the hamsters are still ramping up! Looking forward to it Al. All the best.
I noticed that as well. The signal was fading in and out a bit. Thought it was just me!
Reception in Lloydminster was poor: quieter than other stations and some static.
That’s awesome. My birthday is June 16, 1980. It was the soothing tones of your voice that coaxed me into this world
my brothers birthday is June 15
Oilers new video coaches.
https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/release-oilers-announce-video-coaching-changes/c-345721664
The analytics coordinator is especially interesting where he was on the analytics team for TB for 2 Cups. This could be the start of something good.
Yeah interesting for sure.
Mike Fanelli’s expression when someone drops off Derek Ryan’s TN visa application forms on his desk.
That’s nice but I have been told that Dallas and Colorado have wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better video coaches ;)…
Congratulations again LT, and best of luck on your first day!
Got the rabbit ears pointed in the right direction.
Godspeed LT!
Excited to get sports radio back in time for hockey season, & honoured to participate in your first show, Allan. The good news is we don’t have an Oilers’ loss to dissect!
Ya but what are the lines gonna be on opening night!?! 😀
Wishing you all the best today LT!
All is well again! Thank you Al. You were missed 🙂
Break a leg from Sunny San Diego!
Congrats and good luck today LT! I will be a regular listener via podcast due to silly time zones and cannot wait.
You may be climbing without your partner but rest assured we are all in the truck with you on the way up to Pike’s Peak, probably fighting over the music selection.
See you on the radio!
I am just gobsmacked to see this rapid return. Sports without sports radio is a pale ghost of an experience. Godspeed and good times, my friend.