DU’s legendary hockey announcer Jay Stickney, arrived early on the Yale campus in New Haven, Connecticut as a guest professor to speak to Yale’s Film and Media Studies Program. Stickney joined past distinguished alumni and speakers like Meryl Streep, David Duchovny, and Ed Norton, addressing undergrads about their career aspirations. It was a special opportunity for Stickney to address students at his self-described ‘safety school’ while sharing his professional expertise calling DU Hockey games for 25 seasons.

A full lecture hall greeted Stickney at the session entitled Hockey and Life in a Complex World. Stickney was introduced by Fatima Naqvi, the Chair of Media Studies at Yale. Stickney opened with an ice-breaker as he reached to shake Naqvi’s hand following his introduction and said, “Fifth-year senior – Where’s the party?”

The crowd appeared to grow restless not knowing what to expect next from Stickney.

“‘Naqvi’?” said Stickney. “One of my favorite hockey names. Did you play for the Delhi Masala of the Pacific League?” Realizing the crowd had not warmed up to his sardonic sense of humor, Stickney moved adroitly to the topic at hand.

“I guess you all are wondering why I am here? So am I. Announcing is a tough business. I sell real estate, too. I’m leaving my business cards in a bowl in the back of the room – take two. Look, if you want to become a sports broadcaster for the minimum wage, the free media pregame buffet and entertain the eighteen fans listening on a bad internet connection in their parent’s basement, college sports announcing is for you. Heck, this Yale lanyard around my neck today will be on eBay by sunset.”

One student asked about the life experiences that bond Stickney to the hockey program. Stickney responded, “Returning from a road trip with sweaty, musty hockey uniforms in the airplane cargo hold, you share a common bond. I pack two cans of Fabreeze with my shaving kit and make sure I am as far away from the goalies as possible.”

As for his favorite broadcasting destination, Stickney thought deeply for a moment, “Oxford, Ohio where we play Miami. It’s better than its namesake city, because you arrive home without a sunburn, sand in your shorts, or an STD.”

Attendees sat motionless, absorbing Stickney’s observations, and offered polite applause as he painted a picture of the sacrifice and hard work necessary to achieve excellence.

Another media student asked about last season’s amazing Frozen Four iconic call when John Buccigross shouted “Oh my god, what was that!” as DU goaltender Matt Davis made a spectacular save against Boston University to preserve Denver’s record tenth National Championship. “What was your call on the play, Jay?”

“Add another digit to the end of Matty Davis’ dating numbers at DU,” dead-panned Stickney.

A final hesitant hand went up in the back of the room, asking the Denver legend about his favorite thing about covering college hockey. Stickney quickly replied, “Hockey moms” as he shook his hands like they were burned on an oven top.

A hush fell over the room.

Naqvi made a gentle throat-slashing motion to the crowd to mark the end of the Q&A session and attendees began to swiftly evacuate the room. An excited Stickney serenaded the students with his best Al Michaels imitation, reveling in his new role as an adjunct professor at Yale – “Do you believe in miracles – YES!”

DU hockey plays Yale at 5:00 pm MT tonight and tomorrow night in New Haven, Connecticut. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN+.