AHL Utica Comets

Blast from the Past: Michael Haynes

Published on September 26, 2013 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release


Mike Haynes knew from a young age that he was destined to become a play-by-play announcer. "As a little kid, I was always the one doing the play-by-play," Haynes explained. "Even when we played in the backyard or played street hockey, I was always the one doing the talking, calling all the action. Even around the dinner table, I would say 'here's mom, she's passing the peas, she's going to the refrigerator.' It drove people crazy.

Haynes' affinity for commentary paid off. He is gearing up to enter his 19th year as the play-by-play announcer for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League. Throughout his years with the Avalanche, Haynes has captured two Stanley Cup Championships, in addition to being named Denver's "Best Sportscaster" by Westword magazine on four occasions.

Despite his success in Colorado, Haynes' journey to the top was not as easy one. "Like most people, I started out in the lower leagues," Haynes said. "You have to progress, and move up the ladder." Haynes found himself in Utica during the 1993-94 season, where he worked as the play-by-play announcer for the Utica Bulldogs of the Colonial Hockey League. Despite only working in Utica for a year, Haynes recalled fond memories of the people he encountered during his year here, especially the fans. "I'm not just saying this," Haynes ensured. "The Utica fans are some of the most amazing hockey fans out there. They supported the team, during their ups and downs. They're the most passionate fans and they're so into the game." Haynes reminisced on his postgame chats with fans at Tiny's, and how he enjoyed getting to know the fans outside of the work environment.

"At the time, it was tough, trying to get my foot in the door, but when you look back on it, I wouldn't change it for anything," Haynes admitted. "It was a real character building experience."

After being let go from the Bulldogs, Haynes found himself living in his parent's basement at the age of 33. "The Bulldogs were the third consecutive team where I lost by job," Haynes explained. "My father tried to cheer me up, and took me to see the movie 'Rudy,' and I came out of that movie and said I'm not giving up. Two years later, I was calling the Stanley Cup for the Avalanche. Never give up. I go around to schools and talk to them, tell them to never give up on their dreams. If you work hard enough, everything will work out."

This past season, Haynes called his 1,500th game for the Avalanche. He has done every game for the past 18 seasons, including the Stanley Cup runs in both 1996 and 2001. When asked what his favorite memory in broadcasting history was, Haynes instantly brought up the 1996 Western Conference finals between the Detroit Red Wings and the Avalanche. "The Red Wings were the best team in the league in terms of regular season play," Haynes recalled. "Everyone thought the Wings were going to win, but the Avalanche just caught fire. The atmosphere in the building during game 6 when the fans realized they were moving on to the finals was the most amazing 15 minutes I've ever been a part of. The emotion of the fans was amazing."

Haynes has numerous other connections to the hockey scene in Utica. "I went to high school in Indianapolis, and I was a big Indianapolis Racers fan. They played in the WHA. Their minor league affiliate was the Mohawk Valley Comets. I had no idea where Mohawk Valley was. When I went there to work and learned the history, it was just so cool. At that age, you're so into the Racers hockey and I knew everything about the players coming back and forth. It was cool to realize that the new team is called the Comets. I think it's awesome that the AHL is coming back to Utica. That city deserves it."

Haynes also has a connection to Travis Green, the head coach of the Comets. During the three years that Haynes worked for the Capitol District Islanders, Green was a star player on the team. "He was a talented, talented player. Just really one of the best players the Islanders had. I could tell then that he was a great leader, and I can definitely see why he's become a great coach." Haynes could not say enough good things about Green, and expressed his excitement that Green will be coaching the Comets in Utica.

We encourage any fans with memories from the Bulldogs to reach out via info@uticacomets.com. Messages will be passed along to Haynes accordingly.

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American Hockey League Stories from September 26, 2013


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