Day in the Life: Pete and Terry

FOX 17 News – By: John Dunn

They’re the voices of the Nashville Predators…a dynamic duo both on and off the ice.

Pete Weber and Terry Crisp bring the hockey action to your home and radio 82 times a year.

It’s 10 hours before the puck drops. Pete Weber and Terry Crisp are already at work.

So then we'll come back, we'll bump in with Chris Mason," says producer David White.

A production meeting is underway inside an unused locker room at the Sommet Center.

"The beauty of digital recording here," says Weber.

It’s one of many gameday responsibilities which also include taping segments for the radio broadcast.

"If you can't get up for that hockey game you're dead man," says Terry.

"Very close to it if not," says Pete.

In this business knowing the teams on the ice is crucial.

Play-by-play announcer Pete Weber watches the Predators morning skate. Seated not far away – the opposing team’s head coach.

At this practice the Preds will keep it simple.

"So that veil of secrecy, they don't want to show much of anything," says Pete.

The morning is rounded out with interviews, gaining insight from the coaches, and talking to players from the Anaheim Ducks, including Stanley Cup winners Chris Pronger and Doug Weight.

From there, Pete Weber heads home to complete game preparations.

"That's Patrick Sharp, the Predators killer," says Weber.

Pete watches film, takes notes, and finalizes line combinations he’s likely to see on the ice.

"Wait to see if he turns around, and I get the number, that's Keith Tkachuk, number seven," says Weber.

Weber works hard. He knows the audience depends on the broadcast team to keep them informed and entertained.

"These games are games, we are not doing anything approaching brain surgery and I think if we were to approach it that way the audience would have no chance of having any fun either," says Weber.

It all leads up to game time. As the fans fill the seats, Pete and Terry are high above the ice.

“Hello again everybody, Pete Weber along with my excellent and very good friend Terry Crisp. Thank you for joining us for this one here this evening," says Weber.

Former NHL coach and player Terry Crisp is in charge of color commentary.

"But he's the one, Shea Weber, number six. If we can ever keep this young defensemen healthy. We just simply need him on the ice this evening," says Crisp.

A short time later the action begins.

"Erat slaps it in," says Weber.

During the game Weber describes what’s happening and Terry Crisp provides analysis.

"A lot of guys log ice time Pete, but they're not effective this guy is effective all the time out there," says Weber.

Terry and Pete have worked together for nine years.

"Nichol lobs it up and calling fair catch, Jean Sebastien Giguere," says Weber.

They’re known for their great chemistry in the booth.

"When they get the puck along the board they sort of get their derriere in your face, well not in your face,” says Crisp. Pete says, "Sort of." Terry says, "Sort of."

Terry Crisp calls it a labor of love.

"But I enjoy everyday coming to the rink, I enjoy every night doing the game with Pete and everytime is a little different twist, a little sense of humor, another little story to bring to it," says Crisp.

"Predators with the puck low," says Weber.

And then there’s the excitement.

"Marchants pass, Sutherby a try, and the rebound left to the right side by Mason, who pounces upon it," says Weber.

White Pete calls the action, Terry often communicates with the production truck, letting them know which instant replays to cue up.

"Number seven and I want to show the spot where he was standing," says Crisp.

It all leads up to the highlight of the night.

"And the pass across and the score! Jason Arnott on the power play,” says Weber.

Unfortunately it’s not enough, the Preds lose the game.

For the broadcast team, it’s just another day at the ice rink.

"For the Terry Crisp, I'm Pete Weber...thank you for watching Nashville Predators hockey," says Weber.

While many of the Predators hockey games can be seen on Fox Sports South, Pete and Terry also simulcast the games on the radio.