Awful Announcing
While many Canadians are furious about the tariffs imposed on their country by U.S. President Donald Trump, Vancouver Canucks play-by-play announcer John Shorthouse couldn’t resist joking about the issue during Sunday’s game.
Several American sports teams were among the first to feel the effects of the new U.S. tariffs in unexpected fashion, as Canadian fans booed the U.S. national anthem before several sporting events in Canada over the weekend. Fans booed during the national anthem before the Detroit Red Wings played the Canucks in Rogers Arena.
U.S. anthem booed at Rogers Arena Sunday before Red Wings-Canucks game. pic.twitter.com/4CxrCZY7Xy
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) February 3, 2025
Yet Shorthouse had a little fun joking about the tariffs. Late in the first period, Canucks defenseman Derek Forbort picked up a two-minute penalty for interference.
As the Canucks’ Sportsnet broadcast showed Forbort taking a seat in the penalty box, Shorthouse went to work.
“This will actually be a two and half minute power play for the Detroit Red Wings, due to the 25% tariff that has been imposed on penalties to Canadian-based teams,” Shorthouse said.
We’re all still figuring out the far-reaching impacts of the tariffs.
“This will actually be a two and half minute power play for the Detroit Red Wings, due to the 25% tariff that has been imposed on penalties to Canadian-based teams…” – John Shorthouse pic.twitter.com/1M4VmCyK0l
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 3, 2025
The Red Wings went on to beat the Canucks, 3-2, in overtime. There was no tariff imposed on that final score.
Shorthouse has been calling Canucks games since 1998.
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.
The decision comes just days before Fox Sports broadcasts Super Bowl LIX.
Fortunately for the three-time NBA champion, he may not need to rely on hosting a game show to continue his career in media.
“I think he’s serious about making sure that he separates these two and doesn’t put anyone in a potential position of conflict.”
“America loves football, making people wait two weeks is just a stroke of genius.”
“He’s probably just as shocked as we all are.”
“It’s what I know best, it’s what I think I do best. And I’m hoping that will work out with somebody.”
The decision comes just days before Fox Sports broadcasts Super Bowl LIX.
Fortunately for the three-time NBA champion, he may not need to rely on hosting a game show to continue his career in media.
“I think he’s serious about making sure that he separates these two and doesn’t put anyone in a potential position of conflict.”
“America loves football, making people wait two weeks is just a stroke of genius.”
“He’s probably just as shocked as we all are.”
“It’s what I know best, it’s what I think I do best. And I’m hoping that will work out with somebody.”
