Being the Voice of the Rocket ( The AHL's Laval Rocket) is thrilling, exciting and more demanding than you'd think!
After being voted into the position through a public contest, Claudio Napoleoni settled into the PA Announcer job in late September when the preseason began at Place Bell.
He was introduced onto the bench (his new office) by Michel Lacroix, veteran PA Announcer for the Montreal Canadiens, and happily admits, it was a thrill in and of itself.
Since the inaugural game last October 6th, he feels much more comfortable and in his element along side many high-profiled players and staff. "Being greeted by staff and players alike on a daily basis is a surreal feeling", admits the voiceover professional.
"I must admit being a little nervous at the beginning but every new game presentation allowed me to get more comfortable in the driver's seat. and I truly am enjoying myself".
The envy of many, Claudio is no stranger to the Public Announcer position in sports, having stepped into the position for 4 seasons with the Laval Comets soccer Club (USL-W league) as well as for the Montreal Impact's farm team, FC Montreal in 2016. He takes on this new challenge in hopes that this path will lead him to the Paralympics as PA Announcer for the Canadian National Sledge Hockey Team.
He admits that the position comes with somewhat of a spot light, "I
like to take advantage of every opportunity to meet the Rocket Fans, I get a kick out of walking the main halls, in between periods and seeing the reactions.... It's just ME after all!
LAVAL ROCKET PA ANNOUNCER |