The Knighthawks account executive fills in on a broadcast.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The phrase “Carpe Diem” became part of our vernacular after the 1989 movie “Dead Poet’s Society.” The Latin phrase, which translated means “seize the day,” urges people to take advantage of their opportunities.
On Saturday night, Rochester Knighthawks account executive Matt Stathopoulos (STA-thopa-lus) did just that. While walking the concourse prior to the National Lacrosse League game between Rochester and Buffalo, he received a text from team Executive VP of Business Operations Nate Snyder.
The inclement weather had trapped color commentator Brain Hobart in Penn Yan, NY, and the broadcast team was in need of a color commentator. Stathopoulos could have turned down the offer or seized the moment. He chose the latter.
The 26-year-old Stathopoulos is not a novice to the broadcast booth. In fact, he has been calling games for five years. His first opportunity came during his senior year at the College at Brockport in the fall of 2012, while working for the school’s radio station, WBSU 89.1 The Point. After working as the play-by-play broadcaster for the men’s hockey team that season, he has continued to work hockey games for local stations, and currently has his own podcast, “Matt and Matt On Ice.”
His goal has always been to move up through the ranks and eventually land a National Hockey League job. This weekend, he made a big leap in his career by working on his first professional broadcast.
In this Q&A, we learn more about Matt’s incredible night in the booth.
1. Just an hour before the rivalry game between the Knighthawks and Bandits, you got the call to do the color commentary. What was your initial reaction?
My initial reaction was a combination of excitement and nerves. I am always looking forward to my next opportunity to broadcast a sporting event. At the same time though, with each broadcast, a lot of work must be done ahead of time to assure that I do my job right. In this situation, I was a little bit nervous in the beginning because I obviously didn’t do any prep work or have a lot of time to catch up. The nerves didn’t last long though. When you enjoy something, and have a passion for it, you learn to adapt and just go with it.
2. What was the most exciting part of joining the broadcast team?
It was my first professional broadcast. That was definitely the most exciting part. I have only ever called high school and college games before. Might I also add though, that it was very cool to be alongside Craig Rybczynski. Everyone knows the history he has with the NLL and the Knighthawks. To be his color commentator, even for just the one game, was very special.
3. You are a salesperson with the team, but have filled in as an anthem singer in the past. How did it feel to add broadcaster to your repertoire?
It was great. I enjoy helping out in any way that I can. It’s a bonus too because broadcasting and singing are two of my passions. I’m sure everyone else in the Knighthawks office is well aware of the latter.
4. Away from the office, you have your own hockey podcast and serve as the color commentator for local hockey games. How did that experience help you during your first lacrosse game?
It helps quite a bit actually. Being on camera, talking in front of an audience, and following the game are all experiences that I’ve had numerous times over the last several years. While I still consider myself a rookie when it comes to box lacrosse, the good thing is that it is very similar to hockey. I found myself using a lot of the same terminology during the Knighthawks broadcast that I use when calling hockey games.
5. You had a lot to talk about in the Knighthawks’ 21-11 win over Buffalo. What was the key to Rochester’s victory over its I-90 rival?
Depth. The Knighthawks had contributions from all over. Many rookies and younger players stepped up, but the veterans did their part as well. That kind of team effort is difficult for any opponent to contain.
6. Would you hop in the booth again if you were asked?
Without a doubt.
7. What would be your dream broadcasting job?
Play-by-play for the New York Rangers would be a dream come true. I have been a die-hard Rangers fan since I was 5 years old. An opportunity like that would be better than winning Powerball.