When you grow up in a family that has a member who is involved with hockey or loves the game of hockey, there is always a good chance that you will get involved with the game in some way as well.
One such person is Florida Everblades broadcaster Jake Maurice. Jake’s father is Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup-winning bench boss Paul Maurice.
Not only did Jake’s father win a championship in June, but Jake won a championship as well, his second in as many years, with the Everblades. As such, it has been a great time to be a member of the Maurice clan.
Jake took time out of his offseason to tell us about his role with the Everblades, his love for the game, his dad’s love for the sport, and more.
PH: What was it like growing up with a father who is coaching in the NHL?
JM: It is certainly a different experience compared to a regular 9-5 dad. Long hours and trips meant he was not around every night, but when he was home, he gave us everything he had.
PH: At what point in your life did you realize that you wanted to be a hockey broadcaster for your career?
JM: After I called my first Winnipeg Blues game – it just felt right, like I found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
PH: You got your first broadcasting gig doing play-by-play for the Winnipeg Blues of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. How did that gig come about and what was that experience like for you?
JM: It came about because they needed someone to fill in after their guy left abruptly right before the start of the season. I went in, called one game, and fell in love immediately.
I was not very good that night, but I knew that I had something worth building upon after that first call.
PH: You are now one of the play-by-play broadcasters for the Florida Everblades of the ECHL. How did that opportunity come about for you?
JM: I heard about it from some contacts and saw it online.
PH: In your two seasons behind the mic, the Everblades have won two championships. We know that they also won the year before you came into your role, but did you ever think that you would get to broadcast back-to-back championship hockey teams?
JM: Before coming down here, I never made it out of the first round, so even getting one was amazing. Sports is filled with people who have worked for 50 years and never even see a trophy, so for me to be a part of two championships in my first two professional seasons is something I will always cherish.
PH: What is it like for you to be a part of the same organization that your dad is?
JM: It has been pretty cool. We talk about how each of our teams are doing and it was nice knowing that my team’s work would feed into his squad one day.
PH: We know that your ultimate dream is to be an NHL broadcaster. What steps are you taking to get yourself closer to making that dream a reality?
JM: By studying every day, always staying on top of all the hockey news, and trusting in myself, my abilities, and character, I know I will be an excellent NHL broadcaster.
PH: Just how passionate are you when it comes to the game of hockey?
JM: I can talk hockey for 25 hours a day. It is the greatest sport and there is nothing like calling the action for the world’s fastest game.
PH: What was it like to see your dad win the Cup this year? How inspiring was it to you and your family?
JM: Truly amazing – 30 years of hard work instantly validated. I am still riding that high.
Even looking at the Stanley Cup is different now that his name is on there forever.
PH: Speaking of your dad,I have done a lot of research on him and his love for hockey. It seems like his love of the game is legendary and absolutely infectious. Just how much does your dad love the sport and the NHL?
JM: You have to love hockey to coach for this long. Sports is an industry where you cannot succeed if you do not care, and he cares more than anyone I have ever met.
PH: Is there anything else that you want to share with us hockey fans?
JM: As someone who has won twice in a row, it feels just as great to win the second one, so I am hopeful we are having this same type of talk a year from now.
