Aurora Tigers get a new voice

July 13, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Jake Courtepatte

If you can’t make an Aurora Tigers’ Junior A home game next season, fear not: Joe Montesano can fill you in on the fly.

For the first time in Tigers history, Aurora will have play-by-play announcing for the 2016-17 season, brought to fans by the veteran voice of Montesano.

Montesano has been heard on the air for the Ontario Junior Hockey League for the better part of a decade, first voicing the Villanova Knights (now Orangeville Flyers). Last season he split his time with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens and Markham Royals.

“I’ve been with the Jr. Canadiens for four or five years now, one year with the Markham Royals,” said Montesano. “Which I absolutely loved. I’m just ready for a new experience with the Aurora Tigers, working with a prestigious organization.”

Having met Tigers owner Jim Thomson last season, Montesano was swayed by the professionalism of the Tigers program and the passion for the game that Thomson exuded.

“He’s a great guy,” said the 32-year old. “I think Jim is doing a great job in Aurora and he’s always bringing new ideas to the organization.”

The innovation is just the latest in a long line for Thompson since he took over the team approximately one year ago, having raised home game attendance by over one hundred fans in that time. A return to Sunday home games for the 2016-17 season promises even greater numbers, as well as the addition of play-by-play.

“It’s something that Aurora needs,” said Montesano. “It needs somebody to bring the excitement to those not at the games. Aurora plays some exciting hockey and this just makes the experience even better. I’m glad I could be the one to do that.”

“Year after year, Aurora’s one of the best teams in the league. It’s a great town with a great atmosphere.

Aside from the passion for a team with passion, the family man’s decision was swayed as well by the proximity to home and a new mouth to feed.

“I don’t live too far from Aurora, so I’m glad to be so close to a tight-knit community. I loved being with Markham and the Toronto Jr. Canadiens, but with a new baby I wanted to be closer to home. The 45 minutes I save driving makes a huge difference when you’ve got a newborn at home.”

In terms of role models, Montesano likes to compare his style to that of Pittsburgh Penguins play-by-play announcer, Mike Lange. With his colorful banter and expressive emotions, Lange is a voice that is hard to forget, which Montesano tries to emulate.

“For those at the game, they have the game in front of them, and it can put them at the edge of their seat. It’s my job to make you feel the action at home, put you at the edge of your seat…to make you feel like you’re at the game.”

Montesano will be calling Tigers games all year long broadcasting on Rogers.

“I get excited, so get ready. If there’s a goal, you’ll know it pretty quickly.”

Season passes are on sale now for the 2016-17 season, with more information at www.auroratigers.pointstreaksites.com.