JOSEPH MULLINS
Date of Birth: 1942
Place of Birth: Corner Brook, NL
Inducted: 2003 (Media Category)
Mullins was one the pacesetters for the hockey media within Newfoundland and Labrador. Very well acquainted with players, coaches and managers in every NAHA community, he had a continuous favorable relationship with hockey executives and sponsors. He knew hockey and demonstrated his respect and regard for the sport by the manner in which he reported it.
His broadcasting career began at station CFCB in Corner Brook in 1962 and he moved to CBC, radio and television, in the same City in 1974. Working extremely hard and well as sports director, he continuously included hockey as one of the major sports, which he promoted, always offering fair and unbiased commentary on all aspects of the sport. It was a very fair and very knowledgeable hockey announcer that he made his biggest impact on hockey, both locally and provincially.
In the later stages of his broadcasting career Happy Valley-Goose Bay benefited from his skill and he quickly became a much-respected member of the athletic community in that Labrador town. He spent some time associated with the hockey archives in Corner Brook prior to being elected as the City’s deputy mayor.
At one time he was a spare goalie with the Corner Brook Royals, including a Herder Memorial Trophy championship. Naturally the Royals received exceptional Mullins coverage but in a manner that applied to all his sports broadcasting, all teams were the subject of his coverage, especially when they played in Western Newfoundland. In fact, it was often his reports back to other areas of the province that covered their activities, accurately and fairly.
Blessed with a fine sense of humor and the ability to entertain audiences well, Mullins participated in a very large number of volunteer events, including hockey hall of fame inductions and similar events for many sports and charitable organizations. He was renowned for his great skill as an entertainer and an enjoyable announcer.