“Success is being happy with your accomplishments, big or small.”
andi petrillo
Host, Hockey Night In Canada
Growing up, Andi Petrillo didn’t understand why her father spent Saturday nights watching men pass a puck back and forth on television. Now,
he watches her on CBC’s Hockey Night In Canada. Raised by Italian
immigrants, hockey became a “tradition in the household” and ultimately
gave the Petrillo family a “Canadian identity.”
Versatility is key
During the 2012 NHL Lockout, Petrillo felt “crushed.” She says that,
“For someone covering the sport, this iconic brand, you’re a little miffed
that you can’t fulfill that.” Yet, it presented a new wave of opportunity for
Petrillo to cover cross-country skiing with first-hand experience. “I swear
I was out there for two hours but it was only twenty minutes,” she says of
the challenge. “It gave me more of an appreciation and opened my eyes to
other sports.” Petrillo studied Broadcast Journalism at Seneca College/York,
covering everything from politics to local news. That changed when her
radio instructor noticed her passion for sports. “I back up my work. I do
Diane Von Furstenburg blouse
Hillary Macmillan pants
Brian Atwood boots at David’s shoes
Thomas Sabo ring and earrings
research. I have my contacts,” she says. “The minute you open your mouth
and know what you’re talking about, you’re for real.”
Real life
In 2010, Petrillo traveled to Afghanistan to host a Default concert for
Canadian troops. She reveled as the audience was “getting a break from
the grind” of 24/7 war. But when the reporter and crew witnessed injured
Afghan children at a nearby hospital, reality set in. Petrillo didn’t shy from
delving into core issues – Journey to Afghanistan is a 30-minute documentary that captures the experience, which she shot and edited herself.
Learning from the pros
Petrillo has watched athletes prepare with “so much dedication, discipline
and focus.” She applies these elements of practice before she goes on air.
“The day that I don’t feel like doing it is the day I should push myself even
more.”
Catch Andi on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada this fall
or follow her @andipHNIC