APTN is looking for Cree speakers, fluent in Plains Cree or the “Y” Dialect Cree, to join its team.

Positions Required

1. Play-By-Play Commentator

  • Calls the game action and is the ‘WHAT’ position in the play-by-play booth.
  • Tells the audience what’s happening as the game unfolds (who has the puck, where it’s going and what the players are doing).
  • Acts as the guide and sets up the stories surrounding the broadcast.
  • Must be knowledgeable about the technical aspects of hockey (rules, schedule, league/playoff structure and general history of hockey).
  • Helps lead the colour commentator’s analysis with questions and setups.
  • Takes care of the broadcast business (giving the lineups, doing the throws to/from break, calling the action).

2. Colour Commentator/Analyst

  • Is the ‘WHY and HOW’ position in the play-by-play booth.
  • Tells the viewer WHY a particular play worked and HOW the athletes were able to do it.
  • Gives insight into the execution of the sport and shows the little things that set up the play.
  • Provides inside knowledge to the viewer and points out things that may go unnoticed.
  • Is an expert in the sport. Understands the subtleties of hockey in addition to the rules, personalities and current issues surrounding the game.
  • The best candidates for the analyst role will most likely have extensive experience playing hockey or being closely associated with the game in some capacity.

3. Studio Host

  • Guides the viewers throughout the pre-game, period intermissions and post-game wrap up.
  • Based out of the APTN studios in Winnipeg, works with guests and in-studio panelists.
  • Monitors and drives the conversation and studio content.
  • Works with the show producer on the topics to be discussed, the timing of the broadcast as well as in/out of the game action.
  • Possesses knowledge about hockey and the issues surrounding the game.
  • Fluently bilingual in English and Plains Cree/Y-Cree dialect.

4. Studio Panelists

  • Provides insight and commentary during the pre-game, post-game and between periods.
  • Answers questions from the host and provides their opinion and analysis of hockey-related subjects and highlights.
  • Needs a good general knowledge of hockey; can express their opinions in a concise, convincing and entertaining way.
  • Understands the importance of sport/hockey and in maintaining and developing Indigenous languages.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be a First Nation, Inuit or Métis person and a Canadian resident.
  • Be at least 18 years of age at the time of submission.
  • Be fluent in Plains Cree or the Y-Cree dialect.
  • Be available to travel and work in Winnipeg in March 2019 for possible on-camera auditions and rehearsals.
  • The successful candidates will be contacted to negotiate remuneration fees and travel expenses, which will be covered by APTN.

Submission Checklist
 Create one (1) video that is ten (10) minutes maximum with a short introduction up to 30 seconds long. State your name, Indigenous ancestry, the dialects of Cree that you speak and understand, your city or town of residence and contact information. Include any other information that makes you the right person for the position – be creative! You are encouraged to call or analyze a portion of an actual hockey game. Be authentic and put your talent, personality and hockey knowledge on display!

 Upload one (1) video submission with password protection on YouTube, Vimeo or Dropbox.

 Email a link to your audition video, including the password and your contact information, to [email protected] by 11:59 p.m. CT on Feb. 15, 2019. Late submissions will not qualify.

Your submissions will be reviewed by the show’s team and producers. A decision will be made in mid-February. The shortlisted candidates will be contacted by APTN with further details and information.

Please note that APTN is unable to provide critiques to unsuccessful applications.