If you're a fan of watching hockey on TV, you've undoubtedly heard the voice of Doc Emrick. He's been calling NHL games for more than 30 years and has become one of the most recognizable sports broadcasters in the United States. But who is Doc Emrick, and why is he so important to the world of hockey? Let's take a closer look.
Early Life and Career
Mike "Doc" Emrick was born on August 1, 1946, in La Fontaine, Indiana. He grew up playing hockey and baseball and attended Manchester University, where he played goalie for the school's hockey team. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in speech, he went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in radio and television from Miami University in Ohio.Emrick's broadcasting career began in the mid-70s when he worked as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Port Huron Flags of the International Hockey League. He went on to broadcast hockey games for a number of teams, including the Maine Mariners, Philadelphia Flyers, and New Jersey Devils.
The Voice of Hockey
Emrick has become known as the "voice of hockey" for his distinctive style of play-by-play announcing. He's known for his extensive vocabulary, attention to detail, and ability to make even the most mundane parts of the game exciting. His broadcasts are often filled with colorful phrases and metaphors that add to the excitement of the game.Over the course of his career, Emrick has called some of the most memorable moments in hockey history, including Wayne Gretzky's final game, the "Miracle on Ice" at the 1980 Winter Olympics, and the Stanley Cup-winning goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009.
Awards and Recognition
Emrick's contributions to the world of hockey have not gone unnoticed. He's won numerous awards for his broadcasting work, including seven Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Personality - Play-by-Play. In 2008, he was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, and in 2011 he was honored with the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, given to members of the broadcast industry who make outstanding contributions to the game of hockey.
Retirement
In October 2020, Emrick announced his retirement from broadcasting. In a statement, he said, "Things change over 50 years, but much of what I love is unchanged from then to now and into the years ahead. I still get chills seeing the Stanley Cup. I especially love when the horn sounds, and one team has won, and the other team hasn't, all hostility can dissolve into the timeless great display of sportsmanship -- the handshake line."Emrick's retirement was met with an outpouring of support and well wishes from fans, players, and fellow broadcasters. He will be remembered as one of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time and a true ambassador for the game of hockey.
Conclusion
Doc Emrick has been the voice of hockey for more than 30 years, bringing excitement and passion to every game he's called. His distinctive style of play-by-play announcing has made him one of the most beloved sports broadcasters in the United States, and his contributions to the game of hockey have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. While he may be retiring from broadcasting, his legacy will live on as one of the greatest sports announcers of all time.
