Getting to know Seth Hyde

Seth Hyde has been calling hockey games—real and imaginary—almost since he could talk. Last year, the14-year-old began streaming play by play commentary for several teams right from their St. John’s arenas. Due to an injury, his first gig as broadcaster was with his own team, the Avalon Celtics. His charismatic Newfoundland style calling games for teams like the Pinnacle Growlers and the Bigs Junior Capitals caught the attention of media and professional hockey commentators.

James Duthie, the host of TSN hockey, re-tweeted a clip in which Seth said a goalie, making a flashy save on a player, “hung him to dry like a flake of salt fish.” The clip got nearly 45,000 views. Saltscapes spoke with Seth Hyde about working with his “momager,” smelling the fries and doing his homework. 

 

When did you start calling hockey?

I’ve always had a love for broadcasting. When I was younger, I used to go  around in my basement with my stick in hand and call imaginary games. Whenever a team scored, I’d turn on the goal horn and envision what it would be like to be in the arena. On video games, I’ll turn down the volume, mute the commentators, keep all the arena sound effects on and call the games.

 

Do your parents help with your broadcasting?

I call my mom my “momager.” There’s a lot that goes into it behind the scenes. Mom does the team rosters and social media. Dad is the cameraman. He created a logo for Seth Hyde Sportside. We’re going to put up a website.

 

How did you learn to be such a good play by play commentator?

My mom’s a drama teacher, so she tells me, make the game exciting so nobody can look away. Try to make the game visual. They should feel like they’re in the arena. If someone closes their eyes, can they envision the game? Can they smell the fries? We play improv games she plays in drama class because that’s probably the most important thing in broadcasting, thinking on your feet.

 

Where do you get your Newfoundland references?

Most of the time, it just comes off the top of my head, but I’ve been fishing many times with my family. My dad keeps me in touch with Newfoundland heritage because his family was made up mostly of fishermen. We’re learning about Newfoundland history in social studies and I try to relate it to current events. Once I said, “The tension in this game is rising like the sugary drink tax in Newfoundland.” I try to make it enjoyable for the audience, make them laugh, keep it light.

 

Who are your broadcasting heroes?

I love Jim Hughson, Gord Miller and Bob Cole. I met Bob Cole twice. He’s from Newfoundland and always made the games exciting. He almost had the same beginning as me, calling hockey games in Newfoundland. He made it to Hockey Night in Canada, so I’m hoping to follow in his footsteps.

 

Do you have any backup careers in mind?

I’ve always had a knack for politics. I know that’s kind of a side job, so I’m interested in being a lawyer or judge. I’ve always been a very vocal person. I’ve never been shy. I’m probably the only one in my class that likes giving presentations. Definitely a little strange. My mom being a teacher, school comes first, so if I want to do broadcasting, I’ve got to do my homework.