Warriors play-by-play man Gallo looks back after 1,000 games

When James Gallo officially worked his first game as the play-by-play man for the Moose Jaw Warriors, Daniel Craig was just about to take his first turn as James Bond in Casino Royale, Justin Timberlake’s SexyBack was top of the charts and a little-known shooter called Gears of War was about to launch on the Xbox 360.

Now, more than 14 years later, the Voice of the Warriors has become one of the senior statesmen in the Western Hockey League when it comes to his work in the broadcast booth.

Gallo became the first broadcaster in Warriors history to hit the 1,000 game mark as the team’s play-by-play man on Sunday night when he called the team’s 3-1 loss to the Saskatoon Blades. Throw in his work as a presenter and colour man for Rob Carnie, Drew Haubrich and Randy Merkley prior to taking over the mic himself in the 2006-07 season, and you’re touching 1,500 games in the booth.

That, folks, is called dedication to your craft.

“It’s a lot of hockey, a lot of mileage and a lot of fun as well,” Gallo said on Tuesday afternoon from the WHL’s East Division bubble in Regina, adding that the milestone never really hit home until the date nearly arrived.

“I don’t think it’s really something that you target until you get close to it,” he said. “When you hit 500, that’s a pretty cool milestone, and as it gets closer, you start thinking ‘a thousand could be there’. The last game of last season was supposed to be my 1,000th game, but it just got stretched out to now… It’s pretty surreal now that I’ve hit it.”

Gallo’s first season behind the mic came the year after the Warriors made their legendary run to the Western Hockey League final. The team featured the likes of goaltender Joey Perricone, high-scoring forwards Riley Holzapfel and Jason Bast along with current Midget AAA Warriors assistant coach Carter Smith.

It didn’t take long for the rookie play-by-play man to get a feel for the camaraderie — and lifelong relationships — his new position would create.

“Those were good guys, that first year was fun and it was an eye-opener,” Gallo said. “Times have changed, but I remember those first years where it would be a long road trip, you go back to the back of the bus and I remember sitting down with Joey and Carter and just talking with the boys, playing cards with the boys… it’s a long time ago because they’re all men now, they’re all grown up and have kids of their own, but it was a lot of fun.”

By his own admission, it took time for Gallo to become the seasoned broadcaster he is today. But like everything involving research, preparation and hard work, it’s all worth it once it’s time to hit the air — and even after 1,000 broadcasts and tens of thousands of hours around the game, the nerves are still there when the mic goes live.

“I was always taught that the time you don’t get nervous on the radio, you’re too complacent,” Gallo said. “I think every time I open up the microphone, there’s nerves. There might have been more in Game 1, but still there in Game 1,000, too… but it’s always fun getting ready for it, there’s always a high when you turn the microphone on, and it’s something that I’ve always enjoyed.”

Then there are the memories. Incredible players, even more impressive accomplishments and a franchise that has grown in leaps and bounds since his first game.

“The last year of the Civic Centre and first year of Mosaic Place was pretty special, then watching the magic of Brayden Point over his four years was pretty amazing,” Gallo said. “There are a lot of moments out there… they all kind of mesh into one after awhile, but there have been a lot of big ones and fun ones along the way.”

Of course, you don’t get this far without some help along the way, and Gallo had a chance to learn from one of the best in Country 100’s Rob Carnie, who himself estimates he had 1,000 games under his belt as a play-by-play voice and previously as a colour man for Bryn Griffiths.

“I remember when Carns hired me initially to come to Moose Jaw and the day he told me he would give me the play-by-play job… his support has been amazing,” Gallo said. “Carns has kind of been like my Moose Jaw dad. He’s always had my back and given me tips and tricks. And one of the best compliments I’ve ever had was someone saying I sounded like Rob Carnie, and I still mean it. He’s had a huge influence on me… without him and their support at the station I’d never have gotten this far.”

Gallo’s time in the booth has seen his job description with the team expand as well. Warriors general manager Alan Millar promoted him to director of hockey administration two seasons ago and has worked closely with Gallo in his time with the franchise.

“He took me under his wing a long time ago and had tought me a lot about the game of hockey and has given me access and opportunity that a lot of people probably haven’t had… the opportunity to work with Alan and how he’s helped me is amazing, and that’s extended to (assistant general manager) Jason Ripplinger,” Gallo said.

“The responsibility and trust they’ve given me has been so, so appreciated. The opportunity to grow and learn on the hockey ops side of thing has been amazing and I can’t thank Alan enough for the opportunity.”

Then, of course, there’s home. Being a radio guy for a hockey team — and especially one in the pandemic era, locked in a bubble for two months — means a lot of time away from the family, but the understanding and support from his crew away from the rink has helped make it all that much easier.

“That’s probably been the biggest thing for me,” Gallo said. “My family has been very patient, my wife and kids understand what I do and have supported me all along the way and I’m really looking forward to spending time with them again once the season is over.”

James will have the call for game 1,001 of his career on Wednesday night when the Warriors take on the Brandon Wheat Kings. Puck drop is 4 p.m., with Gallo kicking things off for the pre-game show at 3:40 p.m.