Veteran journalist joins CPL team

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This article was published 02/07/2021 (1561 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Canadian Premier League has added a familiar face as a veteran soccer journalist of 25 years has recently joined the team.

“You never like to say too much about the future but I hope it’s a relationship that can last a long time,” said Kristian Jack, new Vice-President of Media and Content.

Jack, a longtime Canadian soccer analyst and broadcaster for networks such as The Score and TSN brings years of expertise to calling games and expanding interest in the league’s clubs through brand messaging. The broadcaster, who grew up in Preston, England, idolizing the sport explained why now was the time to join the CPL.

“I think it was the right time for me because I’ve always had a love for this country, I chose this country and it welcomed my family and I with open arms,” he said. “I think with the sport in this country it is rapidly growing. I think with the Canadian Premier League, what it does is it allows us to go and tell stories in these wonderful home markets. You can go and watch this team down the street that represents you.”

Jack is intrigued about the new storylines already being told in the 2021 season. Despite the bubble format, lack of a preseason, and the risk of injury due to less practice and the heat factoring in, the analyst says every club has stepped up to the pitch to overcome a lot of challenges.

“There’s a lot of hurdles put up against these athletes right now and they are jumping over them,” said Jack.

“That’s what is great about sports, the unpredictability. I think when the fans get there they will be pleasantly surprised this season.”

The Commissioner of the CPL, David Clanachan, is excited to have Jack’s versatility and knowledge of the game in the league.

“His talent, extensive knowledge and proven success are going to take us to the next level of storytelling and content for soccer fans from coast to coast,” said Clanachan.

“His deep understanding of this space will bring an elevated level of tactical analysis of matches that will lead us to the next phase of growth that will further strengthen CanPL.ca.”

Over his 25 year career thus far, Jack has covered both the Canadian men and women’s national teams, CONCACAF, Euro and FIFA World Cup tournaments as well as reporting on the MLS. The broadcaster says the ability to see the game from a historical perspective around the world while reporting has been incredible.

“The sport has taken me to many places,” Jack said. “Going to Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to cover Toronto FC’s 2018 CONCACAF League’s semifinal against Club America was really special. To walk down the tunnel and see the players and teams that’ve played there. Obviously Pele in the 1970 World Cup, Maradona in the 1986 World Cup, the same place as the ‘hand of God’ call against England. You could just feel the energy there.”

Now with the CPL, Jack says each club’s ownership group deserves a tremendous amount of praise from helping this league grow through the pandemic.

“I think you have to have a group of passionate loyal owners who are willing to persevere with the ride,” he said. “Everything I’m hearing is the perseverance, dedication, passion, belief in this long term project. These are the visionaries of the CPL, this is why the time is now for this league.”

Jack broadcasts a feature game of the week every weekend and has followed both Valour FC games. He noted how the hometown underdog club is full of character driven by head coach Robert Gale.

“I wrote on the CPL website this week that Rob Gale is box office, you know his quotes after the game are absolutely magnificent,” said Jack.

“One minute he’s talking about David Brent from The Office, then he’s talking about Teddy Roosevelt. He’ll say ‘some of us have a chip on our shoulder, we’ve got a bag of potatoes on ours’.”

That attitude has translated down to the players.

“They’re steamrolling teams with the energy they are coming out with right away,” said Jack.

“They’re fast, they’re direct, they’re outstanding in transition and they’ve still got players to come. Rob Gale and his players are great characters.”

Jack believes the CPL is helping funnel the growth of soccer in Canada towards the country cohosting games in the 2026 World Cup.

“It gives those players a tremendous pathway to succeed,” said Jack.

“Everybody in all walks of life needs an opportunity. Always fear the ones who are told they can’t do it, because they have something to prove.”

jbernacki@freepress.mb.ca@JosephBernacki