Best Hockey Announcers Of All Time
Hockey is one of the most popular sports in the world, and the role of the announcer is crucial in shaping the experience of the viewers. A good announcer can add excitement, knowledge, and context to the game, while a bad one can ruin it. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best hockey announcers of all time, who have left a lasting impact on the sport and its fans.
1. Bob Cole
Bob Cole is one of the most recognizable voices in hockey announcing. He worked for Hockey Night in Canada for over 50 years and called some of the most memorable moments in hockey history, including the 1972 Summit Series between Canada and the Soviet Union. Cole's smooth and emotional delivery, combined with his deep knowledge of the game, made him a beloved figure among fans and players alike. In 2018, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
2. Mike Emrick
Mike Emrick, also known as "Doc," is one of the most decorated hockey announcers of all time. He has won eight Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Personality - Play-by-Play, more than any other hockey announcer. Emrick's distinctive voice and poetic phrasing have become synonymous with the NHL, and he has called some of the sport's most iconic moments, including the "Miracle on Ice" at the 1980 Winter Olympics. In 2011, he was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.
3. Foster Hewitt
Foster Hewitt is widely regarded as the father of hockey broadcasting. He called the first-ever hockey game on the radio in 1923 and went on to cover the NHL for over 30 years. Hewitt's signature phrase, "He shoots, he scores!" is still used today by announcers around the world. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1965.
4. Jim Hughson
Jim Hughson is a veteran hockey announcer who has worked for both CBC and Sportsnet in Canada. He has called some of the biggest games in NHL history, including multiple Stanley Cup Finals and Olympic gold medal games. Hughson's calm and measured delivery, combined with his encyclopedic knowledge of the game, have earned him a reputation as one of the best in the business.
5. Al Michaels
Al Michaels is best known for his work as a football announcer, but he also has a storied history in hockey. He called the "Miracle on Ice" game at the 1980 Winter Olympics and has covered the Stanley Cup Finals multiple times. Michaels' smooth delivery and ability to capture the drama of the moment have made him a beloved figure among sports fans for over 40 years.
6. Joe Bowen
Joe Bowen has been the voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs for over 35 years. He has called some of the most iconic moments in franchise history, including Doug Gilmour's overtime goal in Game 1 of the 1993 Norris Division Final. Bowen's enthusiastic and passionate delivery has made him a fan favorite, and he has been honored with several awards for his contributions to hockey broadcasting.
7. Rick Jeanneret
Rick Jeanneret has been the voice of the Buffalo Sabres for over 45 years. He is known for his colorful and energetic delivery, as well as his signature calls, such as "La-la-la-la-la-la-Fontaine!" for former Sabres player Pat LaFontaine. Jeanneret's passion for the game and dedication to the Sabres franchise have earned him a place in the hearts of fans throughout Buffalo and beyond.
8. Danny Gallivan
Danny Gallivan was the voice of the Montreal Canadiens for over 30 years. He was known for his colorful vocabulary and unique phrases, such as "cannonading drive" and "scintillating save." Gallivan's distinctive voice and passion for the game made him a beloved figure throughout Canada, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many great hockey announcers who have left a lasting impact on the sport. Each of these individuals brought their own unique style and personality to the game, and their contributions have helped to shape the way we experience hockey today. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the importance of a good announcer cannot be overstated. They are the voice of the game, and they have the power to make us laugh, cry, and cheer. So the next time you're watching a hockey game, take a moment to appreciate the announcer who is bringing the action to life.
