Mike Emrick: An Insider Look by John Forslund, Carolina Hurricanes TV Voice

AN INSIDER’S LOOK AT THE SPECIAL MIKE EMRICK:

On the assumption that, “it takes one to know one,” it’s worthwhile to listen to one broadcaster talking about another play-by-play man.

Ever since Mike (Doc) Emrick was honored by the Devils on Friday night at The Rock, assorted Doc kudos have poured in from various quarters.

The commentary we like best comes from John Forslund, TV voice of the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Fischler Report interviewed Forslund on the following topics.

* WHAT MAKES DOC TICK?

He’s what every broadcaster in this sport should be. He’s the consummate professional, energetic about the game, feeds off the game and he treats people the same.

He treats people with class and dignity. Doc always carried himself that way, so I have the utmost respect for him.

* MEETING WITH DOC:

The first time I met him I was in the minors in the 1980’s.

I was calling a game in Hershey and he was with the Flyers organization at the time.

His career path is similar to my own where he started in the AHL and worked his way up through the ranks until he found a spot where he settled for a long period of time.

* IMPORTANCE OF ROOTS:

When you have the roots in the AHL, that’s a special thing and it was a special time for me.

As a young broadcaster, I would look at him and try to model what he did, because he was a PR director for the Maine Mariners.

The jobs then were two-fold; you not only broadcasted but you had to do the public relations and some marketing work.

I would model myself after how he did it.

* SIMILARITIES:

We have a lot of the same habits in terms of game preparation, but just from how he prepares is second to none. The volumes of information that he has; the stories he can go to are phenomenal.

What I would tell any young broadcaster is that the preparation aspect is the most important thing. Doc certainly has delivered on that and still does.