PIHL PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCEMENTS
PA Announcer Guide and Sample Scripts
ANNOUNCEMENT CATEGORIES
Announcements that should be made each game:
 Pre-game messages (intro, start of anthem, crowd message)
 Scoring plays (goals/assists)
 Penalties
 One-minute warning
 Disallowed goals (after referee explanation)
 Shot totals (intermissions)
 Timeouts
Announcements that might be made in a game:
 Score updates from other games or other school sports
 Special announcements requested by the PIHL
 Advertisements from home team sponsors
 Fundraiser information (happening at the game)
 50/50 raffle
 Next game for each team…. (date, time, location, opponent)
o Acceptable to only announce this for the home team
Announcements that should not be made in any game:
 Names of the referees
 Notification of a penalty (or penalties) expiring
o Example: “Shermer penalty has expired.”
o Similarly: “Teams back to full-strength.”
 Game flow infractions (icing, off-sides, puck out of play, etc.)
 Individual player introductions
o Starting goaltenders should not be announced either, which is a departure from past
practices by the PIHL (focus needs to be on the team, not just one individual)
WHEN TO MAKE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Goals and penalties:
 During play, shortly after play resumes again (don’t wait for a stoppage)
 Quickly after play resumes, before another scoring play happens
 Continue with the announcement, even if play stops during the announcement
Special messages
 Only during a stoppage:
o As soon as the play stops (be ready to go)
o Not for a stoppage involving a goal or a penalty
o Not when there is a scrum/altercation at the whistle (wait until it settles)
o Not when there is also music playing (coordinate with the game’s DJ)
Introduction of National Anthem
 Only once all players are in a “ready position”
o Stationary across their goal line or blue line or by their bench
o Helmets removed or in the process of coming off
 Referees are in the neutral zone and ready
o Either in the immediate area in front of the box or in the center circle facing the flag
o Not while they are still fixing the nets or talking to a coach
Other
 If you get behind because of consecutive scoring plays, continue from the correct order and simply
add a few seconds of pause in between announcements
o Helps to clarify the goal number when catching up: “Shermer’s 2nd goal…”
 Goals, penalties, and the 1-minute warning are the only items ever announced during play
 Please use the time shown on the scoreboard for goals and penalties to keep it consistent from
rink-to-rink and from what is shown in the box score
HELPFUL TIPS FOR ANNOUNCERS

Smile as you talk… it will have a positive effect on your announcement every time!

Talk slowly… slower than you would think

Talk clearly… speak each word crisply

Talk loudly… project your voice without yelling

Be familiar with the text of the script before speaking it
o Or quickly write down short notes for other messages to guide you as you speak

Be impartial… announce all items the same way for both teams

Be informative… your primary role is to let everyone know what just happened

Be predictable… pattern your announcements so the delivery is consistent

Be yourself… add a small personal touch or voice inflection to give it life

Ask around about pronunciations… but don’t sweat it
o Check with a coach or team official prior to the game, if possible
o There is almost always a parent in the scorer/penalty box that knows the player’s name
o Players usually get a laugh out of any sort of mispronunciation anyway

Have fun!
GAME INTRO SCRIPTS
After warm-up and once players/referees are just about ready for the anthem:
“Good evening, hockey fans! The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League welcomes you to <name of arena>
for tonight’s regular-season match-up between the <home school + mascot> and the <away school + mascot >!
Thank you for your support and encouragement of our student-athletes.”
Example team names: “Beacontown Beavers” and “Shermer Bulldogs”
National Anthem (once all players are nearly stationary on the ice):
“And now to honor America… and those who serve her… please rise… and gentlemen remove your hats… for the
playing of our National Anthem.”
Crowd Message (immediately following anthem):
“Fans… please cheer for your team and respect the exciting game of hockey by exercising good sportsmanship
towards players, coaches, officials, and other spectators.”
“The PIHL follows the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy and SafeSport initiative. Fans who interfere with the
game, interact inappropriately with those involved in the competition, or exhibit actions that are detrimental to
the spirit and values of interscholastic sports, shall be removed from the premises.”
“Spectators should be aware that pucks, sticks, and other equipment can leave the playing surface at any time.
Neither the PIHL nor either of the participating teams is responsible for injuries to fans due to equipment leaving
the area of competition.”
“Thank you… and enjoy the game!”
GOAL SCRIPTS
Helpful Tips:
 Pause between each player’s name to allow for applause
 Pause before the last line since you are repeating the information in short form
 Feel free to add “his second of the game” or similar before the scorer’s name
Goal announcement structure:
The <school name> goal… scored by <player number + first name + last name>!
Assisted by <player number + first name + last name>!
….and by <player number + first name + last name>!
Time of the goal, <clock time> of the <number> period.
<Scorer’s last name>…. From <assist last name> and <assist last name> at <clock time>!
Where appropriate, add…
“a power play goal” or “a shorthanded goal” or “an empty net goal” or “a penalty shot goal”
Sample goal announcements:
The Beacontown goal…. Scored by #42 Scott Howard!
Assisted by #55 Bobby Finstock…. And by #33 Lewis Wells!
Time of the goal, 8:15 of the first period.
Howard… from Finstock… and Wells… at 8:15.
The Shermer goal…. His third of the game…. Scored by #12 Andy Clark!
Assisted by #9 John Bender…. And by #25 Shawn Peterson!
Time of the goal, 14:19 of the second period.
That’s Clark…. From Bender… and Peterson… at 14:19…. A power play goal!
The Bayside goal… his second of the game… scored by #2 Zach Morris!
Assisted by #15 Albert Slater…. And by #7 Sam Powers!
Time of the goal, 5:36 of the third period.
Goal by #2 Morris… from #15 Slater… and #7 Powers… at 5:36…. A shorthanded goal!
Disallowed goals:
Simply state the facts, as presented to you by the referee
Samples:
“No goal…. The net was dislodged.”
“No goal…. The puck was kicked in.”
“No goal…. An attacking player was in the crease.”
“No goal…. Goaltender interference on the play.”
“No goal… the puck was deflected in with a high stick.”
PENALTY SCRIPTS
Helpful Tips:
 Pause between each segment to make the information clear
 Announce away team players first when more than one penalty is assessed at a stoppage
 Stay generally flat in your voice tone for penalties – no one should be excited for these
Standard penalty announcement structure:
The <school name> penalty… to <player number + first name + last name>… a 2-minute minor for <infraction>.
Time of the penalty, <clock time> of the <number> period.
That’s <player last name>…. Two minutes for <infraction>…. At <clock time>.
Double penalty announcement structure (more than one penalty to the same player at the same stoppage):
The <school name> penalties… to <player number + first name + last name>…
A 2-minute minor for <infraction> and a 10-minute misconduct
Time of the penalties, <clock time> of the <number> period.
That’s <player last name>…. Two minutes for <infraction> and a 10-minute misconduct…. At <clock time>.
Coincidental penalty announcement structure (both teams given same infraction at same stoppage):
The <away school name> penalty… to <player number + first name + last name>…
The <home school name> penalty… to <player number + first name + last name>…
Two minutes each for <infractions>.
Time of the penalties, <clock time> of the <number> period.
That’s <away player last name> and <home player last name> …. Two minutes each for <infraction>…. At <clock
time>.
Multiple penalty announcement structure (more than 1 unique penalty issued at same stoppage):
The <away school name> penalties…
<Player number + first name + last name>… a 2-minute minor for <infraction>
<Player number + first name + last name>… a 2-minute minor for <infraction>
The <home school name> penalty…
<Player number + first name + last name>… a 2-minute minor for <infraction>
<Player number + first name + last name>… a 2-minute minor for <infraction>
Time of the penalties, <clock time> of the <number> period.
That’s <Player last name>… two for <infraction>
<Player last name>… two for <infraction>
<Player last name>… two for <infraction>
<Player last name>… two for <infraction> At <clock time>.
Sample penalty announcements:
The Beacontown penalty…. to #42 Scott Howard… a 2-minute minor for tripping.
Time of the penalty, 8:15 of the first period.
Howard… 2 minutes for tripping… at 8:15.
The Shermer penalties…. To #12 Andy Clark…. a 2-minute minor for boarding and a 10-minute misconduct
Time of the penalties… 14:19 of the second period.
That’s Clark… 2 minutes for boarding and a 10-minute misconduct… at 14:19
The Bayside penalty… to #2 Zach Morris….
The Shermer penalty…. To #25 Shawn Peterson…
Two minutes each for roughing.
Time of the penalties… 9:03 of the second period.
That’s Morris… and Peterson… two minute each for roughing… at 9:03.
The Beacontown penalties….
#55 Bobby Finstock… a 2-minute minor for cross-checking
#33 Lewis Wells… a 2-minute minor for slashing
The Bayside penalties…
#15 Albert Slater… a 2-minute minor for holding
#7 Sam Powers… a 2-minute minor for slashing
Time of the penalties…. 6:59 of the third period.
That’s
Finstock... 2 for cross-checking
Wells… 2 for slashing
Slater… 2 for holding
And Powers… 2 for slashing
At 6:59
TIMEOUT SCRIPTS
Simply state the facts, as signaled by the referee (do not cue off anyone else)
Samples:
“Timeout…. Shermer.”
“Timeout…. Beacontown.”
“Timeout… Bayside.”
INTERMISSION SCRIPTS
Reminder to announce the one minute warning:
End of first & second periods: “One minute remaining in the period!”
End of third period: “One minute remaining in the game!”
<Or if the score is tied or within 1 goal> “One minute remaining in regulation time!”
The one-minute warning is not given in overtime.
Shot totals (first intermission):
Sample: “First period shots… Shermer 13… Beacontown 9”
Shot totals (second intermission, as the teams leave the ice):
Sample: “Second period shots… Shermer 13, Beacontown 9. Two-period totals… Shermer 25, Beacontown 17.”
END OF GAME SCRIPT
End of the Game, immediately following the final buzzer:
“The final score for tonight is….. <SCORE>.”
“The PIHL, <home school>, and <away school> all thank you for attending tonight’s game and supporting our
student-athletes. Please drive home safely… and goodnight, everyone!”
GOAL CHEAT SHEET
The ______________________________ goal… scored by #_______ -- ____________________________________!
Assisted by #_______ -- ____________________________________.... and by #_______ -- ____________________________________!
Time of the goal, ______ : _______ of the _______ period.
_________________________…. From _________________________ and _________________________ at ______ : _______
…. A power play goal! … A shorthanded goal! …A penalty shot goal! …An empty net goal!
The ______________________________ goal… scored by #_______ -- ____________________________________!
Assisted by #_______ -- ____________________________________.... and by #_______ -- ____________________________________!
Time of the goal, ______ : _______ of the _______ period.
_________________________…. From _________________________ and _________________________ at ______ : _______
…. A power play goal! … A shorthanded goal! …A penalty shot goal! …An empty net goal!
The ______________________________ goal… scored by #_______ -- ____________________________________!
Assisted by #_______ -- ____________________________________.... and by #_______ -- ____________________________________!
Time of the goal, ______ : _______ of the _______ period.
_________________________…. From _________________________ and _________________________ at ______ : _______
…. A power play goal! … A shorthanded goal! …A penalty shot goal! …An empty net goal!
The ______________________________ goal… scored by #_______ -- ____________________________________!
Assisted by #_______ -- ____________________________________.... and by #_______ -- ____________________________________!
Time of the goal, ______ : _______ of the _______ period.
_________________________…. From _________________________ and _________________________ at ______ : _______
…. A power play goal! … A shorthanded goal! …A penalty shot goal! …An empty net goal!
The ______________________________ goal… scored by #_______ -- ____________________________________!
Assisted by #_______ -- ____________________________________.... and by #_______ -- ____________________________________!
Time of the goal, ______ : _______ of the _______ period.
_________________________…. From _________________________ and _________________________ at ______ : _______
…. A power play goal! … A shorthanded goal! …A penalty shot goal! …An empty net goal!
PENALTY CHEAT SHEET
The ______________________________ penalty… to #_______ -- ____________________________________
A _____-minute <minor/major> for ______________________________________________
Time of the penalty, ______ : _______ of the _______ period.
_________________________…. ______ minutes for ______________________________________________ at ______ : _______
The ______________________________ penalty… to #_______ -- ____________________________________
A _____-minute <minor/major> for ______________________________________________
Time of the penalty, ______ : _______ of the _______ period.
_________________________…. ______ minutes for ______________________________________________ at ______ : _______
The ______________________________ penalty… to #_______ -- ____________________________________
A _____-minute <minor/major> for ______________________________________________
Time of the penalty, ______ : _______ of the _______ period.
_________________________…. ______ minutes for ______________________________________________ at ______ : _______
The ______________________________ penalty… to #_______ -- ____________________________________
A _____-minute <minor/major> for ______________________________________________
Time of the penalty, ______ : _______ of the _______ period.
_________________________…. ______ minutes for ______________________________________________ at ______ : _______
The ______________________________ penalty… to #_______ -- ____________________________________
A _____-minute <minor/major> for ______________________________________________
Time of the penalty, ______ : _______ of the _______ period.
_________________________…. ______ minutes for ______________________________________________ at ______ : _______
SPECIAL PENALTY CHEAT SHEET
DOUBLE PENALTIES ON SAME PLAYER
The ______________________________ penalties… to #_______ -- ____________________________________
A _____-minute <minor/major> for ______________________________________________
And a _______________________________________________________________________________
Time of the penalties, ______ : _______ of the _______ period.
_________________________…. ______ minutes for ______________________________________________
And ___________________________________________________________ at ______ : _______
COINCIDENTAL PENALTIES ON EACH TEAM
The ______________________________ penalty… to #_______ -- ____________________________________
The ______________________________ penalty… to #_______ -- ____________________________________
_____-minutes each for _________________________________________________________________________
Time of the penalties, ______ : _______ of the _______ period.
______________________________…. And ________________________________________
______ minutes each for ______________________________________________ at ______ : _______
MULTIPLE PENALTIES
The ______________________________ penalties…
#_______ -- ____________________________________... A _____-minute <minor/major> for
______________________________________
#_______ -- ____________________________________... A _____-minute <minor/major> for
______________________________________
The ______________________________ penalties…
#_______ -- ____________________________________... A _____-minute <minor/major> for
______________________________________
#_______ -- ____________________________________... A _____-minute <minor/major> for
______________________________________
Time of the penalties, ______ : _______ of the _______ period.
_________________________…. ______ minutes for ______________________________________________
_________________________…. ______ minutes for ______________________________________________
_________________________…. ______ minutes for ______________________________________________
_________________________…. ______ minutes for ______________________________________________
at ______ : _______