Legendary Oilers reporter Gene Principe has emotional statement on his future
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are in the brink of another Stanley Cup Final, and it's bringing out the emotions of all fans involved - including team reporter Gene Principe.
Principe has been Sportsnet's host for Oilers games since the 2001-02 season, and at 58 years old, he's committing to keep on reporting until he physically can't do it anymore.
Oilers reporter Gene Principe opens up in future of his career, love for Edmonton Oilers
In a new feature for Sportsnet, the Oilers reporter was able to open up a bit about his personal connection to the team and his career as a broadcaster. Principe wanted to play himself, but now can't imagine not reporting on the Oilers.
I wanted to be a pro-athlete, and I couldn't. Then I thought, well I want to cover pro-athletes. To cover the team, the city that I grew up in, that I was born and raised in, there's just a love there that's hard to describe.
To have this job, really is a dream come true. I feel lucky, blessed, honoured, and I hope I can continue to do it for as long as possible.
- Gene Principe
It's amazing to hear Principe open up on his genuine love for the Edmonton Oilers, but any fan watching has seen it come out in his work over the last 24 seasons.
Even better for Gene, he's got the call to be promoted to cover the Stanley Cup Final for Sportsnet this season.
His real love and appreciating for the team and the players over his career has earned him a real mutual respect from the players. Lots of players and fans complain about the negativity of Canadian media, but no one ever has a complaint about Gene.
His interviews with players always seem to draw the most genuine and heartfelt answers, because he's cultivated such a great relationship with the players and fans.
Hopefully Principe continues to keep on reporting, like he said, for as long as he physically can keep it going.
Previously on Oilers Daily
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MAI 29 | 981 ANSWERS Legendary Oilers reporter Gene Principe has emotional statement on his future Are you a fan of Gene Principe? |
Yes | 769 | 78.4 % |
No | 212 | 21.6 % |
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