Every summer, when the sports world enters vacation mode (except for MLB), I too decide to take a break from all forms of media and this site. You could call it a period of rejuvenation, rather than simply aging. This summer, however, my hiatus seemed to stretch on for an unusually long time. On one hand, I was disheartened by another disappointing Leafs season, followed by the tumultuous off-season. The Blue Jays’ performance was also a letdown, and the Raptors’ off-season didn’t offer much excitement. To be honest, as the fall approached, I found myself caring very little about sports.
The additional pressures of life, ongoing geopolitical events, and just about everything else made it even harder to engage.
Looking back, I wonder if I should have buried myself here as a means to blow off steam and escape from the realities of life, but so be it; here we are.
After months and weeks of reflection, I am delighted to be back in action. I’ve immersed myself in podcasts covering every sport, and I now feel completely up-to-date on what’s working and what’s not. I’ve perused most newspapers and blogs, and I’m back in my routine, ready to offer my thoughts where necessary.
Simultaneously, I feel re-energized and excited to have fantastic guests join me In The Pressrow.
To that end, here is my sit down with Ray Ferraro in The Pressrow.
Get ready to be swept up in the whirlwind life of Ray Ferraro, as he pulls back the curtain on the pressures and challenges of being a sports broadcaster and former NHL player. Uncover a side of sports management few are privy to, as we discuss the trials teams face in trying to construct a winning organization in an environment that’s always evolving.
Ray’s personal journey to find balance is something we all can relate to. He candidly shares how his career obsession led him to miss 12 Christmases with his family and expresses the impact this revelation had on him. His decision to step back, and the resultant positive changes in his marriage and his life, provide thought-provoking insights on the importance of work-life balance.
We delve into how factors like impatience, media, and fans create pressures in the sports world and influence decisions on player selections, line changes, and trades. Ray also shares his excitement on the prospects of an impending salary cap increase. We wrap up with a look into the future – discussing Ray’s predictions for the NHL playoffs and his impressions of Rekt Tauket. Join us on this enlightening ride through the highs and lows of sports management, as seen through Ray Ferraro’s experienced eyes.
(00:00) Ferraro Steps Back From Broadcasting
(07:34) Overcoming Churn
(21:59) Game Evolution and Reflections on Regret
(31:38) Impatience and Pressure in Sports Management
(36:51) NHL Player Selections and Line Changes
(41:10) Rise in Cap, Impact on Trades
(50:32) Impressed With Rekt Tauket and NHL Playoff Predictions
(00:00) Ferraro Steps Back From Broadcasting
Ray Ferrero discusses taking a break from sports media and hockey, seasonal depression in Vancouver, and the importance of finding the sun.
(07:34) Overcoming Churn
Ray Ferrero reflects on how taking a break from sports media and hockey positively impacted his marriage, family, and outlook on life.
(21:59) Game Evolution and Reflections on Regret
Ray shares his regret of not figuring out his passion for the game sooner and discusses raw emotion’s impact, balance in life, and public perception.
(31:38) Impatience and Pressure in Sports Management
Ray and I discuss how impatience, media, and fans pressure teams, managing in a changing environment, and scouting for trades.
(36:51) NHL Player Selections and Line Changes
Teams build successful rosters by selecting players who can play long minutes, adjusting lines, and responding to pressure from media and fans.
(41:10) Rise in Cap, Impact on Trades
Ray and I discussed salary cap increase effects, pulling out one salary, fan engagement, player selection, and team foundation.
(50:32) Impressed With Rekt Tauket and NHL Playoff Predictions
Rekt Tauket’s consistency, coaching staff, players, potential NHL final four teams, and Atlanta expansion are discussed.
Finally, Thank you for the overwhelming feedback on my Kyle Dubas article.
Born and raised in Toronto, Jonah Sigel is currently based in Seattle, WA. An avid sports fan, Jonah took to writing about the sports media world back in 2004 with two young kids at home, a new job and a return to Toronto. The interest grew and grew to include the former website Torontosportsmedia.com, the twitter handle @yyzsportsmedia, the PressRow podcast and now the all new yyzsportsmedia.com
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