On Wednesday, True North Sports + Entertainment announced that Winnipeg Jets in-game host Brody Jackson has been selected to host the 2023 NHL All-Star skills competition at FLA Live Arena on Friday, February 3 at 6:00 PM central time.
Despite fans wanting to see star forwards Kyle Connor (24 goals, 57 points) and Mark Scheifele (29 goals, 44 points) earn All-Star spots down in Sunrise, Florida alongside defenceman Josh Morrissey and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, they will certainly settle for the all-too-familiar voice of Jackson.
No, not that Jackson, but this one comes pretty close.
The Killarney, MB. product has worked as a radio personality on the morning show of QX 104 – Winnipeg’s No. 1 country music station – for seemingly forever, in a co-hosting role on the 6:00 – 10:00 AM time slot since 2011. Jackson, 40, has also served as one of the in-game hosts at Canada Life Centre since 2014, but is in his tenth season with the club.
“What an honour it is to be chosen to do this role and represent the city of Winnipeg and the province of Manitoba, and all of the Jets fans out there,” Jackson shared in a video message following the announcement. “It’s the passionate Jets fans that drive our fantastic production team to make sure that they deliver a great show for you every single game, and I’m going to do the exact same thing when we get down to Florida. So thank you Jets fans, thank you to our fantastic production team and go Jets go.”
JMo and Helle won't be alone in Florida…
Our very own @Brody_Jackson has been selected to host the 2023 NHL All-Star skills competition!
Congratulations Brody!! pic.twitter.com/eIk8YCJSwz
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) January 25, 2023
Jackson later shared a post to his Instagram page thanking the Jets, the NHL and fans alike for their support over the years. The duration of that post follows below:
“I’m floored by the overwhelming response from everyone after the Jets made the announcement,” he wrote. “Trust me when I say that the love I have received has hit me hard. You’re the reason why I do what I do. Whether it’s broadcasting on QX 104, hosting events, or being an in-game host for this incredible organization, it’s the people and the smiles that you bring that make my career so rewarding.
So thank you.
Please know that none of this would be possible if it wasn’t for the hard-working and extremely passionate production team that I have had the pleasure to work with since I began my tenure with the Jets. It’s a large group of people, all with different roles, who are driven to bring the best show they possibly can to the fans. It’s because of them that I sound great and look…average at best.
Thanks to Karly (fellow in game host and radio partner) and the team at QX for granting me some added time off to make this possible. To my other Jets in-game hosts, you have your hands in this as well, so thank you. Jenna, thanks for your love and support of my career full of twists and turns, and little Luca for inspiring me to work hard everyday for you. My entire family, please celebrate with me, as you helped me get here.
To the NHL:
I grew up like many children, watching you on the television every night. As much as I adored the sport, I understood that my skills really didn’t take to the ice, but I could sure be a heck of a fan… and now your In Arena Host for Skills. Thank you for this opportunity. Let’s have some fun!”
Players at the 2023 NHL All-Star skills competition will participate in the following challenges while Jackson narrates:
- Fastest Skater
- Hardest Shot
- Breakaway Challenge
- Accuracy Shooting
- Splash Shot
- Pitch ‘n Puck
- Tendy Tandem
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