He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with degrees in mechanical engineering, law, and business administration.
[3] Inspired by hearing radio broadcasts of high school football games, Michael began broadcasting high school and college sports part-time in Western Pennsylvania in 2000, while continuing to work full-time as a trial lawyer.
In 2003, he was hired as the play-by-play broadcaster for the Hagerstown Suns, then the Class-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.
Michael went on to broadcast for several minor league ice hockey teams, including two seasons each with the Johnstown Chiefs, the Springfield Falcons, and the Lake Erie Monsters.
[5][6] In 2009, Michael was hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets to host pregame and postgame shows, serve as a rinkside reporter, and conduct interviews.