(Buffalo) Legendary Sabers game descriptor Rick Jeanneret died Thursday at age 81, the Buffalo organization announced.
Jeanneret described Sabers games from 1971 until his retirement in April 2022.
RJ was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012, as the recipient of the Foster Hewitt Award.
“Rick was a very special man and loved by all who knew him and listened to his magic and mastery,” Sabers owner Terry Pegula said in a statement. I am so happy to have known him. How lucky are we all to have been by his side and listened to him.
“Rick Jeanneret’s impact on Sabers history goes far beyond the broadcast booth. He will be greatly missed. I offer my deepest condolences to Sandra, Rick’s family, friends and all those he loved. »
Jeanneret is one of 11 members of the Sabers organization to have a banner in the heights of the KeyBank Center.
The others are former players Gilbert Perreault, Rene Robert, Rick Martin, Tim Horton, Danny Gare, Pat LaFontaine, Dominik Hasek and Ryan Miller, as well as former owners Seymour H. Knox III and Northrup R. Knox.
“Rick Jeanneret was more than the voice of the Sabers, he was the voice of our city,” said Dr. g. Sabers Kevyn Adams, who grew up in the Buffalo area. He fueled our love of hockey, for me and so many others. Beyond his work, Rick was a wonderful man and loved by all. His wit and sense of humor were unmatched. »
Jeanneret is survived by his wife, Sandra, his children, Mark, Chris and Shelly, and many beloved grandchildren.