Episode Details

On Episode 20 of The PuckPedia Hockey Show we welcome the host of the NHL on ESPN and Sportscenter Arda Öcal.

We start off talking about his childhood and how his father raised him to grow up a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, living close by to the old Maple Leaf Gardens (3:30). Then we started talking about how he wanted to get into broadcasting, and he idolized Hockey Night in Canada host Ron MacLean growing up (4:45).

Then he took a normal day job for a few years while doing the broadcasting gigs on the side, until he eventually went all-in with Rogers TV where he was able to get his hands on a bunch of different areas of broadcasting (5:30). We talk about how Arda got his first big break in the industry by stepping outside of hockey and trying his hand on a few different sports, including combat sports (11:00).

He started at the Score doing MMA and WWE post-shows in Canada (14:00). Then in 2016 he landed an opportunity at MSG Networks hosting a post-post hockey show with Anson “Ace” Carter, while also subbing in on some Devils and Rangers broadcasts and the MSG 150 (16:30).

He also started doing part-time assignments with ESPN in everything except hockey, including esports and League of Legends, and MMA. That led to a full-time job with ESPN after 3 years of part-time work, and really ramped up once ESPN got the media rights to the NHL in 2020 (20:00).

He raised his hand and was given a role as one of the studio hosts, and he loves working with the crew. Mark Messier, PK Subban, Steve Levy, TJ Oshie, John Tortorella to name a few (22:00). He praises their work ethic and how dedicated they are to getting better. We also talk about the Pat McAfee effect at ESPN and how his path has inspired a new generation of fans and sports media (25:00).

Then we talk about the Quinn Hughes trade and how Arda was on the air when the trade broke, and he had to pivot to talk about it during the Blackhawks vs. Blues game with Emily Kaplan (32:00). Then we wrap up the episode with some career advice from Arda and how important it is to have mentors and champions in your corner (40:00).

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