Q&A With Broadcaster Eric Lindquist
Q&A With Broadcaster Eric Lindquist
May 21, 2015
Eric Lindquist (@barracudavoice) established himself as a fan favorite in Worcester as broadcaster of the Worcester Sharks, and now he's headed over to San Jose to take up that same mantle for the San Jose Barracuda. A man who can include broadcaster, Wheel of Fortune Teen Champion, and Showcase Showdown winner on the Price is Right on his resume, he is definitely one of a kind. We asked him a few questions to introduce him to all the fans in San Jose.
What made you go into sports broadcasting?
I grew up 45 minutes north of Boston and was a huge Bruins fan growing up. Fred Cusick and Derek Sanderson called the Bruins games on TV – it was must-watch TV for our entire family. I lived right across from Merrimack College and I would go to the hockey games with a buddy of mine and would bring a small tape recorder and call the games from the last row of the arena. I was hooked.
How long did you work for the Worcester Sharks?
I called Worcester Sharks games for eight seasons. That was after one season in Long Beach (ECHL). I have also called games for the Lowell Lock Monsters (AHL), Long Beach Armada (Baseball), and the Lowell Spinners (Baseball).
What was your favorite broadcasting moment with Worcester?
There are several – here are a few (in no particular order):
Marley Sommer National Anthem | Frazer McLaren vs. Joel Rechlicz | Stalock UNBELIEVEABLE Save!
What were you most proud of accomplishing with Worcester?
I had a blast in Worcester. I enjoyed walking around the concourse before the game and in-between periods to chat with the fans. I think our staff did a tremendous job providing a hockey family atmosphere at all of our home games. The 2009 AHL All-Star Classic in Worcester was awesome – it was a great showcase for the city and our fans – many fans still talk about what a great job Worcester did hosting the event. We had a great community department led by Mike Myers – and won the league award in 2010.
In addition to broadcasting, what other responsibilities did you have for the Worcester Sharks?
I was also the PR guy for the Sharks – website, press releases, managed twitter accounts and worked with press.
I was also responsible for the team services (team travel, training camp, and assisting with hockey staff in SJ/WOR)
What is your experience either visiting or living in California and what are you looking forward to most about your new home?
I have made the move out west twice already!
I lived in LA for five years after I graduated Northeastern… and moved back again after a two year stop in Lowell to work for the Long Beach Ice Dogs (ECHL). I have traveled to San Jose several times for training camp and rookie camp – but I have never been to a SJ Sharks game at the SAP Center!
We hear you’re a big foodie. What were your favorite places to eat in Worcester and on the road, and what are you looking forward to in California?
I never turned on my oven in eight years in Worcester! Worcester has a great food scene. I probably ate at UNO’s (across the street from the DCU Center) about 1,000 times – not exaggerating! – but I am also a big fan of little family run restaurants and try to hunt them out while on the road. I also enjoy checking out the concourse food at each arena… And have my favorites in each one (Worcester fans are well aware!). I am certainly going to miss the Rueben at Maurey’s Deli in Worcester.
What should fans who haven’t listened to you before expect in a San Jose Barracuda broadcast this season?
Bottom line – I like to have fun and enjoy interacting with fans. I can get overly excited at times and root for the home team. I enjoy a good scrap and have a lot more fun when we are winning! Looking forward to get things rolling with the Barracuda!