Galen Hartviksen has been named the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Broadcaster of The Year for the 2025-2026 season.
Hartviksen, who also serves as News Director for Vista Radio in Olds, Alberta has been in the Olds Grizzlys broadcast booth for 22 seasons, starting as a color commentator. When the 2007 to 2008 season was underway, Hartviksen had the opportunity to become the play-by-play commentator, and has stuck in that role ever since.
Hartviksen says the dream of becoming a broadcaster started at a young age. “Growing up, my grandmother always said that I sat in the living room with a wooden spoon and pretended to broadcast the games, and then eventually I got a job in radio and got a chance to be a broadcaster myself.”
Olds Grizzlys President, Moe Jamal, says that Hartviksen’s longevity is not the only thing that sets him apart from the other broadcasters in the league. “On behalf of the Olds Grizzlys organization, it is both an honour and a privilege to nominate Galen Hartviksen for the AJHL Broadcaster of the Year award. What sets Galen apart is not simply his longevity, but the exceptional quality and professionalism he brings to every single broadcast. His game coverage is far more than play-by-play—it is a complete and immersive experience. From a meticulously prepared pre-game show to thoughtful and insightful intermission analysis, to engaging interviews with players, coaches, and special guests, Galen consistently elevates the standard of what a junior hockey broadcast can be.”
“Beyond the broadcast itself, Galen’s knowledge of the game and of the AJHL is truly exceptional. As one of the longest-serving play-by-play announcers in the league, he carries with him a deep understanding of its history, its players, and its evolution. He is widely respected as a resource and mentor – someone who willingly shares his insight and experience with up-and-coming broadcasters, while also being a valued peer among veteran voices across the league.”
Hartviksen mentioned that he received the news from Moe that he had won the award on Saturday morning, and was not expecting to hear that. “It was kind of neat, I knew that that Moe and his family were on a vacation at the World Cup in Toronto. So when I saw his number pop-up, I was taken back a little bit, and knew it had to be something important.”
When looking back on his career so far, one of the more memorable moments for Hartviksen was getting to call his own cousin’s hockey game during the AJHL playoffs. “That was very special.” Mike Hartviksen was one of many players from Galen’s hometown of Thunder Bay that were on the Canmore Eagles in the late 2000s.
Hartviksen says that both receiving the award, and being respected by others around him is beyond special.
“You get to this stage of things after two decades of doing it. Just to be respected by your peers and the league, coaches, other teams, and your colleagues it really means a lot, it’s really special.”
“To get recognition for all the hours and time spent, and hours on the bus before and after games, it’s really cool.”
However, Hartviksen says he wouldn’t be where he is now without the help from people that he has met along the way.
“I want to thank everyone that has given me these opportunities over the years.”
Hartviksen currently works as a News Director at 96.5 The Ranch and 104-5 The GOAT in Olds.
The top finalists for this season’s award, also included Matt Dekker (Oil Barons), Wyatt Zieger (Wolverines), and Shane Tomayer (Bobcats). The league starting handing out the award last season and Tim Ellis with the Camrose Kodiaks was the inaugural winners.
Story by Thomas Roberston, Vista Radio.
