For 16 seasons, “Ron the Ref” has been a staple of the Carolina Hurricanes as he emcees the entertainment between periods and during breaks in the action.
That journey has come to a close as Ron Biscotti was released of his duties with the Hurricanes as the team moves in a new direction with in-game entertainment.
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Biscotti posted two messages on his Twitter account on June 4 thanking the fans for their support throughout the years.
“Thanks for all the support and good wishes from everyone at this tough time. Caniac Nation always made me feel appreciated. I’ll miss you all,” he Tweeted.
Biscotti followed with, “It was an honor and privilege to entertain everyone these past 16 years. Thanks for the memories. Go Canes!!!”
In a June article on Section 328, Biscotti said, “How many times can Stormy and I skate out and shoot t-shirts into a crowd before a game?”
The Hurricanes plan to move away from games during breaks, and provide more interactive activities for all fans.
“The new presentation will focus on providing ample replays, game stats, game notes and fan cameras/promotions that focus on interaction,” Doug Warf, Carolina Hurricanes Vice President of Marketing, said.
Warf explained, “Ron the Ref” was an element of the old presentation, but doesn’t have a role in the new focus.
The role of host as diminished over the past few seasons, and Warf said it had nothing to do with the job Biscotti had done.
“This change was not about the job ‘Ron the Ref’ was doing, (it was) simply a large reduction for the role of host,” he said.
Amber Jaye will continue with host duties while also providing web coverage for the team.
Warf was optimistic this was a move in the right direction for the team.
“The hockey intelligence of our fan base has noticeably changed over the last 15 years and we need to make sure our game presentation matches their desires,” Warf said. “We hope this new shift will maintain the ‘fun’ from year’s past while allowing more focus to the game itself.”