Tárogató, 1938-1939 (1. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)
1938-11-01 / 5. szám
16 TÁROGATÓ of hockey patrons as well as the players and the ice surface. My host, with his accustomed patience, explained to my lay mind the various pieces of mechanism necessary in order to get the game out of the Gardens. A final check up with the chief engineer and we were once more on our way. “Up, up we went, almost perpendicularly at times, another thirty feet until we reached the catwalk. This walk, so appropriately named, is like a long narrow bridge. It follows the steel construction and is about ninety feet from the ice surface. Although the walk is quite safe it is well “to keep your head in the air.” It was all too plain to me that for some persons to look down would immediately bring on an attack of the “jitters.” At the end of the catwalk the real test of the whole climb was awaiting me. At first it seemed that the end of the walk just ended in space and I was simply “up in the air.” Instead, I found myself staring down a narrow open steel ladder, almost perpendicular. This ladder entered the long, narrow gondola suspended from the steel rafters below. To have gone down frontwards might have meant a hurried trip, too hurried, perhaps. Taking a tip from my host I went down as one would go down a ladder, and he followed likewise. “Once in the gondola I relaxed and soon felt quite at home, although still sixty feet from the ice surface. I was introduced to Mr. Pendergast, representative of Imperial Oil, the sponsors of these broadcasts, Percey LeSueur, spokesman and commentator between periods. These gentlemen received me most cordially and added much to my unusual experience. “The gondola is divided into two compartments. The small compartment at the north end is the abode of Foster Hewitt during the entire broadcasts. During his play-by-play description no one dare intrude. He is indeed monarch of all he surveys and must be left severely alone. His part in the broadcast is one of the finest, if not the finest, illustration of the possibilities of concentration. In this respect his is a great achievement. To be able to keep track of every play, players and even referees without a mistake reveals the greatness of Foster Hewitt. “Putting on a pair of headphones and hearing the game as if by my own radio at home and at the same time hearing the same words being actually spoken not more than ten feet away gave me a queer feeling. The game itself during the regulation period was rather a weird affair and scoreless. The overtime period, however, was a real thriller. The crowd, rather lethargic, suddenly came to life, vibrant to the very toes, as the Maple Leafs scored three goals in quick succession. I was actually talking to myself. “When the gong ending the game finally sounded, Percy LeSueur picked up by travelling microphone Tommy Gorman and Charlie Querrie for their comment, and Foster, still at his post, closed the broadcast. To me it was an evening of considerable gain. I had been introduced to the complete technique of a hockey broadcast. I had met important officials and received their kindness. Best of all, I had been the guest of Foster Hewitt, greatest announcer of them all and perfect gentleman.” ON MAKING THE TEAM. A Prayer for an Athletic Young Person. 0 God, I made the team to-day. I still can feel the thrill that came when I knew that my muscles and nerves, my skill and intelligence had been weighted in the scales of struggle and been found sufficient. 1 rejoice in these limbs of mine, for they are Thy gift. I am glad for these lungs, these hands, my keen eyes, the quick co-operation of nerve and muscle that makes me what I am. I exult in the strong, steady heart, pumping away within me, and that in the time of test it does not fail. I thank Thee for my parents and their long lines of ancestors who have lived the clean and active life. I thank Thee for all the opportunities that have been mine. Save me from pride and conceit. Grant that I never be so weak as to whine in defeat. May I be chivalrous to my opponents, generous to my comrades, modest in victory, steady in defeat. Save me from ever believing that my body is all there is to life. Grant that I may increasingly regard it as a temple of Thy divine Spirit. Amen.
