I've been told to bring soccer-appropriate shoes and be prepared to play this weekend. No seriously. Joking or not, sarcasm doesn't translate through emails, so even when followed by several 'lol' and winky faces, I'm fully expecting to score 3 goals on 2 shots against the Alliance.

But the pure ridiculousness of this notion (me playing football) is only overshadowed by the notion that this season is drawing to a close, and it's close enough now to call that notion straight out cold hard fact! In reality, only 2 hours of play separate the Fury from off-season and a shift of focus. This whirlwind of an experience has been a test on many...myself included. My involvement with the Fury has ballooned beyond all expectations, and as we end the season off, hopefully with two wins, my attention moves away from what is coming up, and towards looking back. This blog entry is to thank all those who have had a hand in making my season a succes

To Allan & Tammy Bristowe: I would be neglectful if I didn't mention Allan first up...and even more neglectful if I didn't credit Tammy, who is Allan's rock (plus they're married now, so they have to share everything). I have the privaledge of working with Allan on a daily basis at CKPG Television. Allan is the Fury's Media Director, and all round nice guy. Back in November, Al mentioned to me that he was going to be the Fury's media guy. He knew I'd been looking for a play-by-play opportunity in town, and I jokingly said to him 'Hey...if they need a PBP guy, you know who to call!' Allan, being the guy that he is, took me up on it, and within 2 weeks I was lunching with the Mehrassa's, talking about broadcasting the games live online.

Allan's support didn't stop there, as he was always the first to tell me 'good job' and the guy who gave me everything I could have ever wanted on game day. Al's the guy who arranges our half time and post-game interviews, coordinates the rosters and provides me any and every bit of information I could want. If and when my career as a broadcaster kicks off, Al can take as much or as little pride as he wants for kick starting it...taking a joke seriously, and turning it into a wonderful opportunity.

To Darren Coogan and Damian Meehan: Coogan was the bunny, Damian benefited from all the pain that I caused Darren. That first weekend was a gong show, and Coog as the consummate professional he is, swung with the punches and did a phenomenal job as my colour guy. All of his comments and suggestions afterwards made Damian's job much easier, and the broadcast much better. Damian is also a class act, and it'll be a pleasure to share the box with him again next season if he chooses to return...I think he's gotten the bug back now.

To the Prince George Fury players: You guys have been great, and this last weekend will hopefully be the best yet. The support for this broadcast was evident when we got a big round of applause when we announced it at training. Every player that we asked for an interview has accepted without delay, after every game, guys ask me about the broadcast, the support of the group has been amazing and for that I can't thank the team enough. It's going to be great to see you all next season, if not sooner...lets just hope I'm not carding you for dissent (Joao) or delay of game (Tyson - for your ridiculously misdirected shots).

To the Mehrassa's: You guys have given me free reign for this project and for that I thank you. From the outset, you guys have trusted my judgment and always been available with my questions and comments. This season has been a huge thrill and it wouldn't have been anything at all, had you not taken a chance on something new. I only ever expected to do the home games, and the fact that you've spent the money to allow me to join the team on the road is something that I never anticipated, but have enjoyed immensely. I hope you guys feel like you got your value for money!

Finally, to the fans: Without the fans watching, this project would be nothing. My original goal for this was to get 50-100 people checking in throughout the game, seeing what the score was, etc. If I had 5-10 watch the entire thing, then bonus. The numbers have been staggering! As of this writing, out average audience, watching at one time, is 67...and I've seen it as high as 95, and never lower than 40. This blows my mind! On top of that, on 2 occasions we've broken the 500 mark of people tuning in to watch at least a little bit of it. To eclipse my estimates by 10-fold is something amazing, and whilst my ego is going to take some of the credit (you were all tuning in to watch me...right?), I know that you tuned in to support the team, and I just benefited from that. Your support on the road is amazing, and it's something that I'm looking to build upon next season!

If there's anyone I've missed, I'm sorry. The support for this team, the web site and the broadcast has been beyond any expectation. The fact that I repeatedly get recognised on the street is just amazing, and whilst a boost to my ego, testifies to the support from the fans.

My new goals include spreading this idea throughout other teams in the league, and I hope that other teams get inspired by the success that this idea has been to date. It would be great to be able to pull highlights from other team's games, talk with other commentators around the league, produce segments and share them, build a network...but that's for next season and beyond. Also, I'm looking at a way to broadcast on a radio frequency throughout the CN Centre, so that you can pick up the broadcast at the games...it's an idea several people have come to me with throughout the season!

Once we sign off just after 12:30pm PST on Sunday, I'll go back to obsecurity, but hopefully back to bigger and better things for next season. I look forward to bringing all the Fury action to your computer monitors. Thank you for your support! GO FURY GO!