Hall Of Fame Sports Announcer Rick Jeanneret Passes Away at 81

By | Bullscore 18 Aug, 2023

The world of hockey is saying goodbye to a true legend. Rick Jeanneret, a beloved voice in sports broadcasting and a proud member of the Hall of Fame, has passed away at the age of 81 after bravely battling multi-organ failures for two years. The loss of this iconic announcer leaves a big gap that will be deeply felt throughout the sports community.

BREAKING: It is my sad duty to report that Hall of Fame broadcaster Rick Jeanneret, the legendary play-by-play man of the #Sabres, has died this evening. The team has confirmed the news. https://t.co/s1rybl1ncg
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) August 18, 2023

For an incredible 51 years, Rick Jeanneret was the voice of the Buffalo Sabres. It all began in the 1971-72 season when he started talking about the game on the team’s radio broadcasts. His strong and passionate voice quickly made him a favorite among hockey fans. In 1995, he switched to television, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest announcers in the history of sports.

One of the many unforgettable moments from Jeanneret was his electric goal calls. His most famous one happened during the “May Day” play in 1993, when Brad May’s game-winning goal against the Boston Bruins sent excitement through the airwaves. These calls weren’t just about sharing information; they were about capturing the real feelings and energy of the game, making every fan feel like they were right there.

In honor of Jeanneret’s incredible contributions, the Buffalo Sabres inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2011. His impact on the sport and the team continued to shine over the years. Jeanneret’s amazing career came to an end 11 years later, leaving behind a trail of unforgettable moments that will always be remembered in the history of hockey.

Jeanneret’s final game, which took place on April 29 of the previous year, was a perfect way to wrap up his career. The Buffalo Sabres triumphed over the Chicago Blackhawks with a score of 3-2 in overtime. The game-winning goal, scored by Casey Mittelstadt, brought wild excitement among the crowd, showing the magic that Jeanneret brought to every game he narrated.