John Forslund facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Forslund
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Forslund in February 2012
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| Born | February 14, 1962 |
| Education | BA, Springfield College MA, Athletic Management, Adelphi University |
| Occupation | Broadcaster |
| Spouse(s) | Natalie |
| Children | 3 |
John Forslund is a well-known American sports announcer. He is famous for being the television voice of the Seattle Kraken hockey team. Before joining the Kraken, he was the play-by-play announcer for the Carolina Hurricanes. He worked with the Hurricanes from 1995 to 2020, and was part of the team's organization since 1991, when they were known as the Hartford Whalers.
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Early Life and Dreams
John Forslund was born on February 14, 1962. He grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts. From a young age, John knew he wanted to be a hockey announcer. He would practice by turning down the TV sound. Then, he would call the games himself. His dad often joined him, pretending to be the "color commentator."
John went to Cathedral High School. After that, he studied at Springfield College. He later earned a master's degree in athletic management from Adelphi University.
Starting His Broadcasting Career
After college, John Forslund began his career in sports broadcasting. From 1984 to 1991, he worked for the American Hockey League's Springfield Indians. He handled both their television and radio broadcasts. In 1989, he won the Ken McKenzie Award. This award is given to the best publicist or announcer in the AHL.
In 1991, he joined the Hartford Whalers team. He started as their public relations director. By 1995, he became the main television announcer for the Whalers. He took over from Rick Peckham. When games were not on TV, he worked as a radio analyst.
Moving to Carolina
In 1997, the Hartford Whalers team moved to Carolina. They became the Carolina Hurricanes. John Forslund stayed with the team. He described the Whalers' final game as very emotional. He said everyone, from the camera crew to the producer, was in tears. Even though the game didn't affect the playoffs, it meant everything to the team and fans.
During his time with the Hurricanes, John also worked for other major sports networks. He called games for ESPN National Hockey Night, NHL on Versus, NBCSN, and NBC Sports. He also announced ACC and SEC basketball games for Fox Sports Net.
John's hard work and talent were recognized. In 2018 and 2019, he received the North Carolina Sportscaster of the Year award. This award is given by the National Sports Media Association.
Joining the Seattle Kraken
John Forslund's contract with the Carolina Hurricanes ended in 2020. He then called games for NBC Sports during the Stanley Cup playoffs. On January 26, 2021, John announced exciting news. He accepted the job as the television play-by-play broadcaster for the new Seattle Kraken team. The Kraken began their first NHL season in the fall of 2021.
Since 2022, John has also been an occasional play-by-play announcer for the NHL on TNT crew. In April 2024, it was announced that some Monday night NHL games in Canada would move to Amazon Prime Video. In September 2024, John Forslund was chosen to be the play-by-play announcer for Prime Monday Night Hockey. This new broadcast started on October 14, 2024.
Personal Life
John Forslund is married to Natalie. They have three children together. They have two daughters and one son. His son Matthew plays ice hockey. He even plays with the son of Brad McCrimmon, who used to work with John as an announcer for the Springfield Indians.
