Gotta Love Hockey

I can't stand his voice - but Scotty Ferrall is a hockey nut that actually has knowledge and love for the game
So I have to give the guy props....
Read on PUCKHEADS!!


Wed Aug 19, 2009 9:55 am EDT

Five Reasons Sports Radio Icon Scott Ferrall Loves Hockey
By Greg Wyshynski

Our series "5 Reasons I Love Hockey" features puckheads from all walks of life revealing five things that either made them a fan or that keep them watching hockey. It will run every weekday through August. Enjoy.
Scott Ferrall is an acquired taste. I acquired it during his stint on WFAN, where his raspy tone, cliquish lingo, handing out virtual beer to listeners and ability to cram seven words into the space where only one syllable should naturally exist were nothing I'd ever heard before. Not to say it was better or worse than what was regularly broadcast on New York's flagship sports talk station; it was different, which was all that mattered.
Plus, the guy loved hockey, which was revolutionary for New York sports radio or New York sports media in general.
The Scott Ferrall Show airs Monday through Friday from 8 p.m.-12:00 a.m. ET exclusively on Howard 101, one of Howard Stern's two exclusive SIRIUS XM channels.
Here are Scott Ferrall's "5 Reasons I love Hockey."
It's subtle, but you may be able to detect which NHL franchise he prefers.
1. Mike Lange
Pittsburgh Penguins' legendary play-by-play man. There is no one like him. He was my idol in the broadcast booth. I wanted to be him when I was in high school. After doing nationally syndicated radio shows from 1993-99, I snagged the play-by-play job with the Atlanta Thrashers in their expansion season. So, yes, I was the first play by play voice of the franchise and they can't take that away from me.
2. My First Time.
My first experience with hockey was 1980, after the USA men won the gold at Lake Placid. My father took me to see Mark Johnson play. The Pittsburgh Penguins battled the Minnesota North Stars at the Igloo in the Steel City. One game and I was hooked for life. I have proceeded to be a massive hockey fan ever since.
This year will be 30 years of following the NHL. I love the sport like no other. Nothing comes close for me personally. The speed of the game and hitting gets my blood flowing. The fights are just as good. I love the power play and penalty kill. The playoffs are the best happening in sports. This year's Stanley Cup Finals between the Pens and Red Wings was one for the ages. I always watch the NHL over every other sport. I will never stop being a fan and friend of the league. I actually work for the league. I do two shows: THE HOCKEY SHOW on NHL.COM and THE CISCO ALL ACCESS PRE-GAME SHOW during the playoffs.
3. Mario Lemieux.
There was none better in my opinion. The magnificent one! When he got drafted in ‘86 the Pens fortunes turned around dramatically and he would go on to one of the most brilliant career's the league has ever known. He battled cancer. He won two Stanley Cups as a player (back-to-back). He saved the franchise from certain death. He fought off bankruptcy and fixed the financial mess the team was, only to rebuild and win another CUP (this year over the dynasty Wings) as an owner. I'm lucky to say Mario is a friend. Coolest player I've ever met. Humble yet dominant! Unstoppable. I saw him score a goal five different ways in one game.

4. 1990-91; 1991-1992; 2008-2009.
PENGUINS WIN STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONSHIP -- enough said!
5. The Players.
My radio show relationships that I've made over the years with hundreds of players, both current and retired. I've had more NHL players on my radio show at SIRIUS XM Radio (HOWARD 101) than anyone doing radio anywhere in North America. I talk more hockey than anyone. I have several guys that are regulars like Mike Modano(notes) of the Stars, Mike Green(notes)-Caps, Shane Doan(notes)-Coyotes, Sean O'Donnell(notes)-Kings, Joe Thornton(notes)-Sharks, Paul Martin(notes) and Patrick Elias-Devils, etc. The list goes on forever.
How cool is it that every night I get to talk to the best players in the world with NO RULES! Brilliant!
Former ten team and 20-year veteran Cup Champion Jim Dowd(notes) (Brick, NJ) also does my show weekly throughout the season. I've had on everyone from Gary Bettman to Wayne Gretzky.
SEE YOU AT THE RINK AND DON'T FORGET WHO THE NHL CHAMPS ARE RIGHT NOW -- PENGUINS RULE!