(FREDERICTON, NB) Having served as a fill-in in recent years, Michael Bourgeois is taking on the role of ‘voice of UNB men’s hockey’ full-time in 2019-2020.
“I’m thrilled and honoured to be one of the voices of UNB Hockey,” said Bourgeois. “It’s been a goal of mine to be part of the UNB webcast ever since I started commentating with CHSR, in 2012.”
Bourgeois takes over the play-by-play on UNB’s men’s hockey webcasts from Brad Janes, who resigned the position at the end of the 2018-2019 season.
While serving as a regular fill-in, Bourgeois has also called play-by-play on CHSR, UNB’s campus radio station.
“It's been special to be a part of the program in some capacity for the last seven seasons. I love coming to the rink for every game, and I have a great passion for calling the games. I've been able to call some pretty special moments in the Aitken Centre, and I can't wait to share many more of those moments with the viewers.”
David Kilfoil will join Bourgeois in the Reds webcast booth to provide colour commentary.
Like Bourgeois, Kilfoil has worked on the CHSR broadcasts of UNB men’s hockey for several years.
“It is now part of my winter life,” said Kilfoil, of commentating at Reds games. “I guess you could say that UNB hockey is in my blood. I was never a player, but I have had an opportunity through the years to grow from being a rabid fan to trying to tell the stories on air of so many outstanding young men who have worn the red and black.”
Kilfoil takes over the commentary role from Perley Brewer, who also stepped down at the end of last season.
Bourgeois and Kilfoil will call the action of every UNB men’s hockey home game in 2019-2020, beginning October 11th, when the Reds host Moncton. UNB will hoist their 2019 national championship banner that night, the eighth to go to the rafters of the Aikten Centre.
“I was around in the days when UNB men’s hockey wasn’t a national contender, let alone an eight-time national champion,” said Kilfoil. “Reflecting on those teams really lets you appreciate how much the program has grown, and how lucky the fans in Fredericton are. I guess I see that as part of my job to continue to tell that story.”
“I hope I can give the listeners and viewers a front row seat to the games, from wherever in the world they’re watching,” said Bourgeois. “I know how crucial these webcasts can be for fans, alumni, and especially family who can't be here. I want to provide them with an experience that not only makes the game exciting, but helps them be that much closer.”
Webcasts of UNB Reds men’s hockey can be viewed at www.austv.caand heard on CHSR 97.9 FM.