Oilers play-by-play announcer Jack Michaels reflects on 15 years behind the microphone

As the voice of the Edmonton Oilers for over a decade, Jack Michaels has become synonymous with the pulse of Oilers hockey. His dynamic, energetic broadcasts capture the highs and lows of every game, and his vivid descriptions bring the sport to life for fans across the globe. A central figure in the Oilers’ radio broadcasting team, Michaels has been the storyteller for countless iconic moments, calling goals, hits, and game-winning plays with unmatched enthusiasm and insight. Now, as he marks 15 years behind the microphone, Michaels takes a moment to reflect on his journey, the challenges, the triumphs, and the unforgettable experiences that have shaped his career.

A Dream Come True

Jack Michaels didn’t always know he would be calling hockey games. Growing up in the United States, he followed sports avidly, but it wasn’t until he was a student at Syracuse University that he discovered his true passion. There, in the heart of one of the most prestigious journalism programs in the country, Michaels honed his skills as a broadcaster, eventually realizing that calling sports, particularly hockey, was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.

“I grew up watching hockey and always loved it, but the moment I realized I wanted to do this for a living was during my time at Syracuse,” Michaels recalls. “I was always drawn to the excitement and drama of sports, and I knew that there was something special about hockey — the speed, the unpredictability. It felt like the perfect fit for me.”

After graduation, Michaels began his career in radio, working for a variety of teams across the country. However, it was in Edmonton, a city with a rich hockey history, that he truly found his home. He joined the Oilers in 2006 and quickly established himself as a fresh and energetic voice, bringing new life to the team’s broadcasts.

“Edmonton was an ideal place for me,” Michaels admits. “The passion for hockey here is unlike anything else. The fans are so invested in the team and the city’s history. It’s something that drives you as a broadcaster. You want to give them the best possible experience when they can’t be at the rink. And I think, over time, I’ve developed a deep connection with this fanbase.”

The Evolution of the Oilers’ Broadcasts

Over the course of 15 years, Michaels has witnessed a massive transformation in the Oilers’ organization. The team has gone through several phases, from rebuilding years to a playoff resurgence, and Michaels has been right there to capture every moment. Along the way, he’s worked with numerous analysts, other broadcasters, and players, each of whom has brought something unique to the table.

“The hockey world is constantly changing, and the way games are broadcast has evolved too,” Michaels reflects. “When I first started, we were still dealing with some of the remnants of the old-school broadcasting style. Things like analytics weren’t as big a part of the discussion. Now, we’ve got all these advanced metrics, we’ve got new technologies, and we’ve seen a big shift in how fans consume games.”

For Michaels, keeping up with these changes has been crucial to his success as a play-by-play announcer. He’s always been willing to adapt and learn, making sure his broadcasts resonate with the modern fan while still staying true to the traditions that made hockey such an exciting and beloved sport in the first place.

“We’ve tried to maintain the balance between being informative and being entertaining. People want to hear the nuances of the game, but they also want to feel the energy, the passion of the moment,” Michaels says. “You want to bring your listeners along for the ride — the excitement, the intensity, the ups and downs.”

Memorable Moments Behind the Mic

As much as Michaels appreciates the day-to-day rhythm of being behind the microphone, he recognizes that it’s the special moments — the ones that send fans into a frenzy — that have truly defined his time with the Oilers. Over the years, Michaels has called some of the most unforgettable moments in franchise history.

One such moment came in 2017, when the Oilers returned to the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. The excitement around the city was palpable, and Michaels, as the voice of the team, was right in the center of it all.

“I’ll never forget that playoff run,” Michaels says, his voice thick with emotion. “The city was absolutely electric. It felt like a whole generation of fans had been waiting for this moment. I remember calling that Game 6 win against San Jose, and the crowd was just insane. That was a special night — for the team, for the city, and for me personally. It was the culmination of years of hard work, and to be able to share that moment with everyone was incredible.”

Another iconic moment came in 2020 when the Oilers’ Connor McDavid, one of the NHL’s brightest stars, scored a mesmerizing goal against the Calgary Flames. Michaels’ call of that goal remains one of the most memorable moments of his career.

“Connor’s goal was just jaw-dropping,” Michaels recalls. “It was one of those plays that left you speechless. I don’t think anyone expected him to pull that off, but with him, you never know. I had to find the right words to describe it, but honestly, it felt like the goal spoke for itself.”

These moments are the highlights of Michaels’ career, and they are a testament to his ability to capture the drama and intensity of the game. But it’s not just the highlights that make Michaels such a beloved broadcaster — it’s the consistency, the way he’s able to maintain a steady and engaging presence no matter the circumstances.

The Challenges of Broadcasting

Of course, being a play-by-play announcer is not without its challenges. While calling the game is undoubtedly rewarding, it also requires a great deal of preparation, focus, and stamina. During the long NHL season, Michaels faces the task of staying energized and engaged throughout the entire game, often calling a game late at night after a grueling road trip. But, as Michaels puts it, that’s all part of the job.

“I think the hardest part is maintaining that level of intensity and energy over such a long season,” Michaels admits. “There are nights when you’re tired, or when the team is struggling, but you have to keep bringing it. You have to find a way to keep the broadcast fresh, exciting, and relevant. It’s a mental challenge, but one I embrace.”

Michaels also faces the challenge of delivering an unbiased and professional broadcast while still being emotionally invested in the team. As a fan of the Oilers himself, it can be difficult to separate personal feelings from his role as a broadcaster, but over the years, he’s learned how to balance that.

“I’m always cheering for the team, but when I’m on the air, my job is to call the game, not to be a fan. That’s something I learned pretty early on,” Michaels says. “There’s a fine line between being excited and letting your emotions influence your commentary. It’s something I’m constantly aware of.”

Looking to the Future

As he reflects on the past 15 years, Michaels is proud of what he’s accomplished, but he’s also eager to look toward the future. The Oilers are in a new era of success with superstar players like McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the way. The team has a promising future, and Michaels is ready to continue his role as the voice of that future.

“I’ve always said that the best part of being a broadcaster is that you get to experience things through the eyes of the fans. You get to feel that excitement, the joy, and the heartbreak. It’s something I never take for granted,” Michaels says. “I’m just so fortunate to be a part of this organization and this community. The next 15 years, I’m sure, will be just as special as the first.”

As the Oilers continue to grow and evolve, Jack Michaels will remain the steady presence guiding fans through the highs and lows, sharing the stories of a team with an incredibly rich history and an even brighter future. The next chapter of Michaels’ career is just beginning, and the fans of Edmonton will be there, listening to every thrilling moment — thanks to the voice that’s been with them every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

Fifteen years behind the microphone is a significant milestone, but for Jack Michaels, the journey is far from over. His passion for the game and his commitment to his listeners have made him one of the most respected voices in the industry. Whether calling a playoff series, narrating the brilliance of McDavid, or simply relaying the action from one period to the next, Michaels is a storyteller at heart — and fans across Edmonton wouldn’t have it any other way.