Oh This Speech Continues To Be Relevant For The Upcoming Post-Season!

Tom Larscheid understands that this is an entertainment business. He managed to express his opinion for 33 years with the Canucks. Before his final broadcast, Tom was on 1040 almost in tears with the overwhelming support and love from staff members and fans. What stuck with me the most was when he stated, "Pratt and Taylor, you boys also understand the fact that this is entertainment, which is why you're number 1 in the business and have the support from everyone in this city, both of you are the people's broadcasters." I've grown up having the opportunity to listen to the legend as well as Pratt and Taylor and I couldn't agree more with Tom's statement. It's not only a source of gathering information but listening to these personalities is what catches my attention and leaves me in front of the television or throwing away any CD's I purchased based on the fact that Team 1040 is all I need to get through my journey.

Unfortunately during the 33 year long tenure, Tom never had the experience of his team hoisting the cup, nevertheless, the dedication and positive enthusiasm did not vary throughout the years. In fact, it became more personal and increasingly relative to the fan base. Unquestionably his central advantage was his ability to relate to the everyday listener. Having the opportunity to speak your mind about the organization while maintaining a level of professionalism during frustrating times is without a doubt challenging. Especially in an industry that emphasizes its broadcasters to be politically correct, Larsheid was not afraid to hurt someone's feelings; he said it like he saw it.

Tommy was intriguing because he reported as a fan. Statements we'd make in our own homes yelling at the T.V. as if they can hear us, Shoot the Puck!" Larsheid coined the phrase: "Bingo Bango Bongo! His name is Roberto Luongo!" and many others. "I just came from the Canucks dressing room and Pavel's groin has never felt better," and fearlessly Calling Bertuzzi a Candy-Ass while Telling Brian Burke to take a walk. Oh Captain, My Captain," Tommy stated after Naslund scored many of his highlight-reel goals.

Certainly one of the (many) great things about Tommy was the honesty. I just can't imagine Canucks radio listeners would appreciate a change to someone who makes excuses for the team. They will never find anyone with the guts to tell it like it is, if you didn't perform, Tommy all the way up in the nose bleed section would let you know.

Larscheid's remarkable reign over the airwaves here is unlikely to be repeated either in duration or style and the Canucks will have to make room on their rather empty shelve (hopefully not for long) for Larscheid's mic.