Legendary Buffalo Sabres play-by-play announcer Rick Jeanneret passes away at 81

Devastating news out of the hockey world Thursday evening, Hall of Fame broadcaster Rick Jeanneret has passed away, according to the Buffalo Sabres.

Jeanneret spent an illustrious 51 years calling the Sabres and was the man behind the mic that thousands of fans grew up listening to. Jeanneret retired from play-by-play duties at the end of the 2020-21 season as the longest-tenured play-by-play announcer in NHL history.

He was honored during the season with a banner in the rafters to commemorate his impact on the Sabres franchise. Jeanneret was also honored with the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award.

Mike Harrington broke the official report at The Buffalo News.

“Jeanneret was inducted into the Sabres Hall of Fame in 2011 and had a big year in 2012, with nods to the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame and the Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame. The biggest honor came on Nov. 12, 2012, when he was given the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for career excellence in broadcasting by the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Jeanneret was born in St. Catharines, Ontario, and lived most of his adult life in Niagara Falls, Ont. It was in Niagara Falls in 1963 when his career switched from being a radio disc jockey to a hockey broadcaster when he called games of the Junior A Niagara Falls Flyers. Jeanneret, in fact, continued DJ work on CJRN in Niagara Falls into the early 90s before finally giving up those duties to concentrate solely on hockey.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra, whom he always referred to as “Cupcake,” sons Mark and Chris and stepdaughter, Shelly. Mark Jeanneret spent several years a hockey broadcaster with the OHL’s Erie Otters and substituted for his father on Sabres play-by-play during 2010 road games in Calgary and Edmonton.”

Tributes have begun rolling in for the legendary broadcaster who touched so many lives.

“Rick was indeed a very special and very loved man, to and by all, who knew him and listened to him, his magic, and his command,” Sabres owner Terry Pegula said. “How glad I am to have known him. How lucky were we all to have been around him and to have listened to him. Rick Jeanneret’s mark on Sabres history extends far beyond the broadcast booth, and we will miss him dearly. I extend my deepest condolences to Sandra, Rick’s family, friends, and all that were loved by him.”

“Growing up in Buffalo, Rick Jeanneret was not just the voice of the Sabres; he was the voice for our city. He helped foster my love of hockey, along with so many others,” Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said. “Beyond the booth, Rick was an incredible man that was loved by all. His wit and humor were unmatched, and we are all lucky to have known him. I am heartbroken by his passing, and send my condolences to his wife, Sandra, and all of his family and friends. May he rest in peace.”