EVERETT – “Book ‘em Danno, hockey game over!” It’s Keith Gerhart’s signature phrase following Everett Silvertips victories. And it’s a small piece of Silvertips history that will be missed.
Gerhart, the voice of the Silvertips as Everett’s play-by-play radio announcer since the first puck in franchise history was dropped in 2003, is moving on. However, he’ll be fondly remembered for the role he played in the Tips’ formative years.
Gerhart turned in his resignation last week after four seasons behind the microphone. During those four seasons he enlivened the game for a community just learning the game of hockey.
“I cherished every moment I worked here,” Gerhart said. “It’s been fantastic, probably the best four years of my life as far as my career goes.”
Gerhart is heading to Indianapolis with his wife, Karen, who received a teaching job at Center Grove High School in the suburb of Greenwood. The move puts both closer to their families – Keith is from Pennsylvania, Karen from Indiana.
“It was a tough decision, bit at the same time I think we’re ready for a new chapter,” Gerhart said. “We’re a husband and wife team. When I first started in this business I always put work first. When you settle down and get married the family part of it is there and you’ve got to remember that. I’m really geared toward family first now more than ever.”
Gerhart’s last day with the Tips is Aug. 17. He plans to begin the long drive east on the 22nd.
Gerhart was an ever-present member of the Silvertips’ family during its first four seasons. He never missed a game, calling all 288 regular season and 59 playoff contests. During that time he provided the scenery for Everett’s three U.S. Division, one Western Conference and one WHL regular season championships in his own unique excitable style.
“Sometimes I got a little too excited on the radio, but that’s how I am,” Gerhart said. “I’m just a big fan of hockey and I love the sport, I love calling it, it makes me excited every time I’m on the air. It’s not a job at that point, it’s fun.”
Gerhart witnessed every aspect of a new team taking root during his time in Everett.
The most memorable moment?
“Obviously No. 1 would probably be the Kelowna series in the 2004 playoffs, down three games to one and winning three straight in overtime,” said Gerhart, whose call of the end of Game 7 was used during introductions to all home games during the 2004-05 season. “That’s the highlight of my career, period.”
The best players to work with?
“All of them have been great, I don’t really have any favorites,” Gerhart said. “There’s the first-year guys like Mitch Love and Bryan Nathe who still come back. John Dahl was really funny and Alex Leavitt was a great talker. I love Leland Irving’s personality, how calm and cool he is. I love Zach Hamill because he loves the game and has so much fun playing. You can go on and on.”
The most amusing on-air moment?
“We were playing in Vancouver, I think it was the playoffs in 2004,” Gerhart recalled. “They had some chicken that would go up in the stands for some promotion. All of a sudden we’re up 6-2 and the chicken decides to stand right in front of our broadcast location. I can’t see the game and I say, ‘Dave (Sheldon, then the color commentator), there’s a six-foot chicken in front of me.’”
And the “Book ‘em Danno,” call?
“My dad always watched Hawaii Five-0 and sometimes I’d get home from school and he’d be watching Hawaii Five-0 on one of the cable stations,” Gerhart explained. “Hmmm. Book ‘em Danno. sounds pretty good. I did the same thing in baseball and stuck with it in hockey.”
Gerhart doesn’t have a broadcasting gig lined up in Indianapolis. He’s hoping to remain in the sports field in either public relations or communications. But he’s not retiring his microphone just yet.
“I’m not totally getting out of the business,” Gerhart said. “I might get back into it some day.”
And he has one parting comment for the fans:
“To the fans, keep rooting on the Tips and make it the loudest barn in the league again.”
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