Gorilla Glue. Live pig mascots. And a hockey game. How could you not be entertained?
Though the Seattle Kraken dropped a 3-2 decision Saturday at the Carolina Hurricanes, the KHN telecast was in rare form during John Forslund’s return to his former play-by-play home.
Forslund fulfilled that role for the Hurricanes for more than two decades. Longtime broadcast partner Eddie Olczyk paid tribute during the 2nd period. “Any time he comes back into town, everybody is looking for him, wants to say ‘Hi,’ acknowledge him. When we come to Carolina, I feel like a security guy walking around with Johnny.”
In an email conversation, Forslund told me, “It means the world to me that people react the way they do when I come back to Raleigh. It holds a special place in my heart for so many reasons. In addition, it helps me understand that in a small way I made a contribution to growing that brand and franchise.”
Olczyk reminded Kraken fans that Forslund is doing the same for his new franchise. “I want our great fans in Seattle (to know) how lucky they are to have Johnny Forslund calling these games. Johnny, a tip of the hockey helmet to you. One of the very best to do it.”
Surprising Sincerity
Though Forslund and Olczyk actually get along great, their on-air banter might occasionally lead unfamiliar listeners to think otherwise – like Edzo asking Forslund in the 3rd period if Gorilla Glue came in ChapStick form. So Olczyk’s kind words even caught fellow analyst J.T. Brown off guard. “Might be the nicest thing you’ve said to Johnny, Edzo. He actually meant it,” Brown said.
Forslund told me later, “Edzo is a dear friend. His comments were some of the nicest I have ever experienced on the air. I really appreciate that he took the time to say that. It meant the world to me.”
Soon enough, Olczyk resumed his favorite role, impish provocateur. “I was looking over that email you sent me, how you wanted me to say that.” Forslund, tongue in cheek: “You almost got it right. It was close.” Olczyk: “I’m sure it’s always nice to come back to a place where you worked for 55 or 60 years. An amazing run.”
Forslund, who actually spent 23 years behind the microphone in Carolina, did what he always does when the banter with Olczyk ramps up – he played along. “63 years, you’re right. Not sure about the last detail, but I do appreciate that.”
Their Lips Aren’t Sealed
Hockey “glue guys” are liked and respected teammates who keep energy high, and perform unglamours tasks like blocking shots. Which is not at all why Olczyk suggested “Gorilla Glue” to Forslund before dissolving in laughter. “Why don’t you grab some and put some on.” Forslund, feigning distress: “After all the nice things you said. Use Gorilla Glue on your lips. That would hurt.”
Olczyk, trying to recover from his self-inflicted laughing fit: “I’m sweating.” Forslund: “You are. Profusely.” Olczyk: “Johnny, I’ve already decided what I’m going to get you for Christmas.” Forslund: “Gorilla Glue ChapStick?” Olczyk: “A year’s supply!” He might have said more, but was prevented by new gales of laughter.
A Time For Every Purpose
Traditionalists – killjoys – might complain that Forslund & Olczyk don’t pay proper deference to on-ice action.
Booshwah! The KHN trio and their production crew never fail to show or comment on anything of consequence. Forslund acknowledged as much after Berkly Catton gave Seattle a short-lived 2-1 3rd period lead. “We’re going to put the Gorilla Glue away for now. We’re going to talk about Berkly Catton, what a goal.”
Forslund explained after the game, “As far as our on-air chemistry. It’s natural, that’s how we are all the time. We have a special time every time we hit the air locally or nationally. We feel its important to entertain without tarnishing the game. I hope we accomplish that.”
Proving the point is a transcript of the trio’s expert, network-quality call and review of Catton’s snipe.
Forslund: (Carolina goalie) Bussi gives it away. Look out! Catton with a shot. He scores! Hey, hey, whattaya say! Berkly Catton, on a turnover by Brandon Bussi. And the Kraken have a one-goal lead.
Olczyk: How about the play by Ryan Winterton? He’s the one that steals the puck. Catton gets in the slot. Quick little stick-handle, J.T., and look where this puck ends up going. Right by the glove.
Brown: Good forechecking pressure, forcing them to make a play. An excellent job by Catton, seeing that shoot-first mentality.
Hamming It Up
Entertaining KHN booth banter isn’t limited to comments about each other.
Utilizing his vast reservoir of Hurricanes trivia, Forslund referenced Stormy, the Carolina version of Buoy. “Stormy is a fictitious ice hog, officially, for those that care. North Carolina is a furniture capital, a pork capital.” That reminded Olczyk of a pig-related story surrounding New Jersey defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who played three seasons in Carolina.
“They brought Hamilton the pig in,” Forslund explained, “for the playoffs in 2019. He became a (live) mascot, until the pig started acting up and got a little anxious down there by the locker room.” Olczyk could hardly contain himself, wondering if Hamilton ended up on a breakfast plate, asking, “Green Eggs and Ham?” To which Forslund answered, “Thank you, Dr. Seuss.”
That’s Kraken broadcasting, baby.