Today, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Pete Dalliday will broadcast his 1000 consecutive Peterborough Petes game.
Not just a 1000 games, which is a feat in itself. But it's the word 'consecutive' that really drives the point home.
Since he first served in a similar capacity with Gary Hahn at the former CKPT, and now through the Petes long association with our company, Peter has never missed a game. He leads a busy life—but through marriage and having kids, mourning the loss of loved ones, through personal illness and other commitments he has always, ALWAYS made sure he was at the arena, or on the bus.
I don’t know how we'd replace him if the day ever came when he lost his voice, for example and couldn't call a game. We've never been put in that position.
I've known Pete for a long time, ever since Gary and his wife Donna used to bring Tim, and Pete and Krista into the station for this or that—including the annual kid's Christmas parties up on the Hill (Krista used to babysit my older boys, but that's a different story).
I first encountered Pete as a force to be reckoned with when he applied for the summer special events reporter job back in the early 80's. He was just a kid then, and who knows how qualified he was, but he had the chutzpah to go for it (he didn't get it).
But what he has is his parents' work ethic and dedication. And I can't imagine the challenge posed by calling a hockey game. I've never done it and don't ever wish to try. But beyond the difficulty factor, Pete has found a style all his own and his games are sensational. Beyond the fact that Pete and Gary are the only known Father-Son hockey broadcast team currently out there, is the sheer excellence of Peter's craft.
What makes his games interesting is that he doesn't rely on the traditional play-by-play shtick, or protocols—he doesn’t subscribe to the prescribed 'Act' that has a lot of hockey broadcasters sound like they're talking through their nose. Pete broadcasts from his gut and he uses his full range—which is substantial.
He is also VERY fast on his feet and has a lightning-quick wit…. and if you listen to the broadcasts on a regular basis, you know just how creative he can be.
We're lucky to have him. And we know that we'll lose him one day. He's been calling games with the presence and skill that qualify him for the national stage for years, and I'm sure there's a short list somewhere with his name on it.
But until that happens, he is ours' to enjoy and this is a very big day for him. One thousand CONSECUTIVE games. It's amazing. Game 1000 is tonight, and I think there is something cooking for him once the Petes get back on home ice next week.
Congratulations, buddy. Just don't screw it up by getting sick. Stick close to the Purell…..