Sure is nice...

to be able to listen to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In the past when it was televised by a different network I had to mute the sound.

It was really annoying because I love the sounds of hockey—the click-clack of skates and pucks and sticks. But what was even more annoying, and the reason I was forced to mute the TV, was the then play-by-play voice of hockey on ESPN, Gary Thorne. I loathe him. I loathe his voice, his smarmy attitude, his cloyingly saccharin laugh.

I was so concerned when OLN took over televising the NHL that they would hire this guy that I emailed them. I don't know if they listened to me, or perhaps thousands of others also voiced their concern, but happily OLN & NBC hired the excellent Mike "Doc" Emrick who also does the play-by-play for the New Jersey Devils. And he's working with John Davidson, another quality hockey voice and personality. They even have Mark Messier during the final series. And he's looking good!

Now if they would only replace that horrible sideline reporter woman. But at least she's not Gary Thorne.