Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – Buffalo Sabres' broadcasting legend Rick Jeanneret passed away on Thursday at the age of 81.
Jeanneret started broadcasting with the team during the Sabres' 1971-72 season, which was their second season of existence in the NHL. He'd spend the next 51 seasons in the broadcast booth all the way until he retired after the 2021-22 season.
LISTEN LIVE TO WGR:
Jeanneret had the longest run as a play-by-play man with one team in NHL history. He started his career at CHUM in Toronto, and then was, what was called back then, a disc jockey in Lindsay, Ontario, and then at CJRN in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Before coming to the Sabres, Jeanneret did some junior play-play-play for the Niagara Falls Flyers.
It would be impossible to document all the legendary calls Jeanneret had throughout his Hall of Fame career. There, of course, was the “May Day!” call after Brad May scored in overtime of Game 4 of the Prince of Wales Division Semifinal Round to sweep the Boston Bruins.
He also had his famous goal call, "Top shelf where momma hides the cookies!"
It was in 2011 when Jeanneret went into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame alongside the late Dale Hawerchuck. He also is a member of the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, as well as the Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
Jeanneret also won the Foster Hewitt Award given by the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012.
Jeanneret was never able to call a Stanley Cup championship for the Sabres, but he was right there calling all the action in two Stanley Cup Finals. The first was 1975 against the Philadelphia Flyers, while the second was 1999 against the Dallas Stars.
Jeanneret is probably the most beloved figure in Sabres franchise history. Fans loved listening to him and talking with him throughout the years. He had such an iconic style, that you’ll never hear anyone like him again.
Jeanneret is survived by his wife Sandra, his sons Chris and Mark, and his step-daughter Shelly.
