As the future of professional sports in North America is up in the air due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one long-time hockey broadcaster is remaining optimistic that there will be a return to finish the season.
Normally he’s traveling around the country with Rogers Hometown Hockey, but now, Ron MacLean is home passing the time doing interviews and hosting shows on Sportsnet.
MacLean is hosting two new shows: one called NHL Classics: Special Edition with Wayne Gretzky and Ron MacLean, where the two relive some of the biggest games in Stanley Cup Finals history; and another called In Conversation with Ron MacLean, in which he connects and chats with guests from across the country.
MacLean says athletes are feeling traumatized by the situation, suggesting that the layoff can be career-ending in some situations.
He states that there are two parts to the story. One part, MacLean says, is that players need to be very aware of how important it is to not lose their training, and to keep working on their skills. An extended break can take a serious toll.
As for the second part, he believes there will be a “tremendous appetite” to reopen. MacLean doesn’t believe there is an athlete out there who will not go the extra mile, and do whatever it takes to have some form of hockey into July and August.
He says he may be naive, but is very optimistic that there will be a return.
MacLean reiterated what NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said last week—that the situation is “no longer about perfect.” He likes the idea of finishing the season in a “World Cup of Hockey tournament” format.
