Rick Jeanneret, the Hall of Fame Sabres broadcaster and voice of the Buffalo Sabres for more than 51 years, died on Thursday, the NHL team announced.
Fondly known as RJ, Rick succumbed to death after a two-year ongoing battle with multiple organ failures. In a sombre moment for the sports world, fans of the Buffalo Sabres were left mourning the loss of a beloved figure, Rick Jeanneret, who passed away at the age of 81 on August 17, 2023. The Hall of Fame Sabres broadcaster had become a voice synonymous with the team, with his distinctive calls and unparalleled enthusiasm becoming an integral part of the team's identity.
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Jeanneret called Sabres games from 1971 until his retirement in 2022. Buffalo's final game, a home matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks in late April 2022, was his final call of the 2021–22 regular season. Jeanneret served as the team’s emeritus broadcaster during the 2022-23 season.
"Experiencing childhood in Bison, Rick Jeanneret was the voice of the Sabers, however, the voice for our city," Sabers head supervisor Kevyn Adams said. "He helped encourage my adoration for hockey, alongside so many others. Past the corner, Rick was an unbelievable man that was adored by all. His mind and humour were unrivalled and we are fortunate to have known him,” Adams said
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Jeanneret is broadly known for his "May Day, May Day" call of previous Sabers forward Brad May's extra time objective that provided Bison with a four-game scope of the Boston Bruins in the primary round of the 1993 Stanley Cup end-of-the-season games and finished the group's 10-year season win dry spell.
Jeanneret's irresistible energy was not restricted to the transmission stall. He was known for his congeniality and warmth, frequently carving out opportunities to draw in with fans and deal uplifting statements. His certifiable association with the Bison people group additionally hardened his status as a loved nearby symbol.
As news of Jeanneret's passing spread, tributes poured in from players, colleagues and fans alike. Although Rick Jeanneret may no longer be with us, his legacy will undoubtedly live on. The indelible mark he left on the world of sports broadcasting and in the hearts of countless fans is a testament to his remarkable career. As the Buffalo Sabers and their fans remember the legendary broadcaster, they can take comfort in knowing that his iconic speeches will forever echo on the fields he passionately described.
