Lethbridge Hurricanes winger, Trae Wilke, answers a question from the Hurricanes game day host, Cole Stefiuk, during the first intermission on Feb. 17, 2024 at the Enmax Centre. Photo by Justin Sibbet.
As the light flicks red, a deafening horn is heard throughout the stadium in prelude to a pulsating rhythm and the roaring cheers of the crowd.
In Lethbridge, there are several teams with loyal fanbases willing to brave all forms of adversity just to experience the thrill of the sport. From the post-secondary Kodiaks and Pronghorns to the major junior Bulls and Hurricanes, teams in Lethbridge keep fans busy and entertained.
However, perhaps even busier than the cheering crowds are the unseen broadcasters as they create an unforgettable game day experience. The most heavily attended team in Lethbridge, the Hurricanes, who compete in the Western Hockey League, see its game day operations overseen by a third-party company.
Steve Prankard, co-owner of Feature Productions, says it’s his job to ensure fans are captivated as the energy of the stadium reaches a fever pitch.
“That’s something we, as a production crew, really try to work on,” said Prankard.
He adds that sports are more than just a game, it is a way of life.
“[Sports are] one of those things that bring people together,” said Prankard. “I’m not even a hockey fan personally, but I love the environment and excitement of coming to a game. It’s the popcorn, it’s the beer, it’s the energy in the building.”
However, Prankard says his company does a lot more than just hockey. From mixed martial arts to professional rodeo, his team does it all, even if the cowboy-related events take up most of their time.
“I would say over 80 per cent of our business is now in the rodeo,” said Prankard. “We do big rodeos like the Ponoka Stampede, Strathmore Stampede … we’re involved in the Calgary Stampede.”
He says each sport comes with unique challenges, but they always seem to bring large crowds and smiling faces.
Another local broadcaster, Nicholas Colyer, works with the Lethbridge College Kodiaks. However, his production crew consists of just one person – himself. Colyer says this solo effort keeps him working hard throughout the entire game, which he says can be a challenge.
“I only have so many physical arms on my body,” said Colyer.
Even so, he says the job is not overwhelming unless there are technical issues, which can lead to frustration and high-pressure moments. However, no matter the hardship, he says it is worth the workload because it can help connect athletes to their families.
“The service we provide allows anyone, anywhere around the world the access to see their loved one,” said Colyer.
Furthermore, he says does not consider himself a sports fan, which helps him concentrate on his role and perform a better job.
“I figure it makes me a good candidate for the job because I don’t get lost in the game,” said Colyer. “I’m just worried about keeping the ball on screen and making sure everybody at home has a good experience.”
While it often looks great on television or a jumbotron, Prankard says the behind-the-scenes has been rocky ever since the COVID pandemic.
“A lot of contractors and [other workers] who we had been dealing with just went out and got jobs working other places,” said Prankard. “We’ve seen a lot of challenges with our crew [since the pandemic].”
While the loss of employees may have created additional challenges, sports fans in Lethbridge and around the world still turn out in droves to watch their teams compete.
Post-secondary sports are winding down, while the Hurricanes continue play for another month. Meanwhile, the Lethbridge Bulls return to regular season home action in June.
