Game On Magazine 2017 December 2017 | Page 50

LIVE PRODUCTION A ‘SCIENCE’ AT JETS, MOOSE GAMES BY JAMIE THOMAS If you’ve been to any hockey game since Bell MTS Place opened back in 2004, chances are you’ve seen and heard the work of the True North Sports + Entertainment Game Production staff. Leading the way is Kyle Balharry and Steve Godkin, who, along with a talented team of technical pros and motion graphic artists, put countless hours into providing the live entertainment before, during and after Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose games. Balharry has been there from the beginning, and has spent nearly two decades with the organization creating a world- class atmosphere right here in downtown Winnipeg. “For those of us lucky enough to be there, to experience those moments, they only happen once,” explained Balharry, when asked about what keeps him going. “You get hooked, and the next thing you know you look back and you’ve been there (with True North) 18 years.” Much like the hockey season, there are three different segments when it comes to putting all those videos and music montages together to make it a fun night at the rink. “There’s so much to do at the start of the season. You have to compare all your new sponsorships, prepare all your videos and music, hire the right people if need be. It’s a science,” Balharry said.