Jim Ralph is best known for his dry self deprecating sense of humor, and his comical impersonations of famous Canadian sportscasters Foster Hewitt, Danny Gallivan, Dick Irwin, Bob Cole, Brian Williams, Dave Van Horne, and Don Cherry.

 

After being drafted to the Chicago Blackhawks Jim played pro hockey for seven years in the minor leagues as goaltender.  In 1989 Jim retired and began his broadcasting career by co-hosting “Rinkside” a weekly hockey show that aired on TSN.  He has done color commentary on Toronto Maple Leaf radio broadcasts and Ontario Hockey League games that aired on Global Television, 1990-1995.  From 1990 to 1996, he has been a Sports reporter for Global Television in Toronto; he has co-hosted “Molson Leaf Hockey” on Global Television Network.   Jim has spoken at events hosted by such NHLer’s as Brett Hull, Doug Gilmour, Curtis Joseph, Dave Gagner, Jason Arnott, Andy Moog and Steve Yzerman. His outstanding after dinner and MC presentations at Celebrity Golf Tournaments, Celebrity Roasts, Award Banquets, and Sportsmen Dinners are truly entertaining and make him a favorite amongst entertainers for any type of group.

 

 

Broadcasting Hi-Lites:

• Guest opening on "Hockey Night in Canada" in 1989.

• Guest analyst for the NHL/Soviet "Super Series" in 1991.

• Guest appearance on "Don Cherry's Grapevine" TV show in 1991.

• Hosted and produced a video segment for the NHL Awards on CBC in 1991.

• Released a Hockey Video entitled "HockeyÉa Brutal Game" in association with Molstar Communications in 1991.

• Jim has co-hosted the "Toronto Maple Leafs Skills Challenge" in 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1995 for Global television.

• Appeared on the "Don Cherry Celebrity Roast", a CBC special in 1992.

• Made guest appearances on the 1994 and 1996 "Hockey Hall of Fame Inductions Ceremony" on TSN.

• Co-hosted "Molson Leaf Hockey" games on Global in 1995 - 1996.

• In studio analyst for TSN's "That's Hock..." in 1996 Ð 1997.

• Hosted "Ottawa Senators Hockey Games" on CHRO television in Ottawa in 1996- 1997.

• Jim was a guest on "Open Mike" on the Comedy Network in March of 1998.

• This season, Jim will provide color commentary for Toronto Maple Leaf games on Talk 640 radio.

 

Guest Speaking Hi-Lites:

Jim has spoken at various corporate and charity functions across North America, including engagements in every Canadian province as well into the United States. The following are just some of the events Jim has been hired to make presentations to:

• The Wayne Gretzky Celebrity Classic Dinner"

• "The Meet the Leafs Luncheon”

• "The Hockey News Awards", televised on TSN,

• "The Toronto Maple Leaf Alumni Golf Tournament”

• "The Bob Cole Celebrity Golf Classic"

• "The National Hockey League Golf Tournament" 

• "The NHL Players Association Golf Tournament"

• "The Montreal Sports Celebrity Dinner" 

• "The Calgary Flames Sports Dinner" 

• "The Conn Smyth Sports Celebrity Dinner"

• "The 1996 Stanley Cup Finals Luncheon"

• Annual Guest Speaker, MC, at Roger Neilson’s Coaching Clinic. (Since 1991)

 

Testimonials

 

"Feedback on your presentation to our group was great - a wonderful and light-hearted way to start our 5 days of intense sales and marketing meetings".
 Johnson & Johnson Medical Products

 

"We expected you to be well received, but you surpassed our expectations".
Leukemia Celebrity Golf Classic