The Heartbeat of Oil Country: Why Jack Michaels is the NHL’s Premier Voice
In the modern NHL, we’re constantly buried in spreadsheets, advanced metrics, and a non-stop loop of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl highlights. We celebrate the Edmonton Oilers’ high-octane offense and their world-class talent, and rightfully so. But there’s a vital piece of the Oilers’ identity that doesn't wear a jersey, yet connects Oil Country to the ice with—arguably—more electricity than a power-play goal. I’m talking about the man behind the microphone: the exceptionally-talented Jack Michaels.
When you’re huddled around the TV with friends and family, the game isn’t just something you see; it’s something you feel. Jack Michaels, alongside his partner Louie DeBrusk, has mastered the art of the "sonic surge." If McDavid is the gold standard on the ice, Jack Michaels is undeniably the “McDavid of the broadcast booth”.
Cool Fact: After graduating from college in 1995, rejection from major sports networks led Jack Michaels to becoming a morning news reporter and sports announcer; one of his first assignments was to call an “Ostrich Race” (Crawford County Fair).
More Than Just Play-by-Play
What makes Jack Michaels a "must-listen" isn't just his ability to track a puck moving at 100 miles per hour. It’s his soul. He has this rare, almost operatic quality that captures the sheer desperation and joy of the sport. When he bellows electrifying comments out like, "This is why you watch NHL hockey!" it doesn't feel like a rehearsed catchphrase—it’s a rallying cry. It’s a moment of pure, unscripted passion that reminds you exactly why you fell in love with hockey in the first place.
Cool Fact: In January 2021, the Edmonton Oilers announced Jack Michaels as the new lead play-by-play announcer for regional Oilers TV broadcasts; he moves back to radio for nationally televised Oilers games.
A Connection You Can Feel
Let’s be honest: some broadcasts can feel a bit robotic or distant, like the commentators are just reading off a script. Jack Michaels and Louie DeBrusk are the exact opposite. They treat a cold Tuesday night in November with the same intensity as Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. That energy is infectious; it makes the Oilers' style of play feel even more electric. You can actually hear the tension build in Jack’s voice as the puck moves quickly into the slot (or over to a waiting Draisaitl), creating a vibe that jumps right through your speakers. He’s not just calling a game; he’s living it with you. He doesn't just describe the play; he makes you feel the weight of every glove save and the pure relief of every goal.
Giving Credit Where It’s Due
The NHL needs to take a long, hard look at what Jack Michaels is doing in Edmonton. He is an outstanding contributor to the game of hockey, turning a standard mid-season match-up into a cinematic event. His work—alongside his first-rate partner, Louie DeBrusk—is a gift to hockey fans, providing a soundtrack that is just as elite as the NHL superstars performing on the ice.
Clearly, Jack Michaels and Louie DeBrusk deserve every accolade in the world of sports. They are the heartbeat of the broadcast—and for fans watching from home, they turn every Oilers game into the best seat in the house.