Buffalo Sabres broadcaster Rick Jeanneret dead at 81

Publish date: 2024-07-02

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One of hockey’s most iconic voices passed away on Thursday night. 

Legendary Buffalo Sabres play-by-play broadcaster Rick Jeanneret died at 81 after an extended health battle, the Sabres announced.

“It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, Rick Jeanneret, Hall of Fame broadcaster for the Buffalo Sabres,” the Jeanneret family said in a statement released by the Sabres.

“Rick died on August 17, 2023 with his family by his side after a two-year battle with multi-organ failures. He will be loved forever.”

Jeanneret’s booming voice made him one of the most widely known hockey announcers over his 51-year career behind the microphone.

He began during the 1971-72 season as the Sabres radio broadcaster before he made the switch to TV in 1995, eventually retiring from broadcasting in 2022. 

He was the team’s broadcaster emeritus this past year.

Rick Jeanneret died at 81 after a long broadcasting career. NHLI via Getty Images

“Growing up in Buffalo, Rick Jeanneret was not only the voice of the Sabres, he was the voice of our city,” Sabres general manager said in a statement. “He helped foster my love of hockey, along with so many others. Beyond the booth, Rick was an incredible man that was loved by all. His wit and humor was 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.”

Jeanneret was inducted into the Sabres Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012 and had a banner raised to the rafters in his honor at KeyBank Center in April 2022. 

Sabres announcer Rick Jeanneret steps onto the ice as a banner bearing his name is added to the rafters of KeyBank Center in a ceremony prior to a Buffalo home game against the Predators on April 1, 2022. NHLI via Getty Images
Rick Jeanneret produced some of the most iconic calls in NHL history. NHLI via Getty Images

Know for his excitement and energy, Jeanneret’s “May Day, May Day” call of Brad May’s overtime goal to clinch a first-round series win over the Bruins in the 1993 playoffs remains of his most remembered. 

The final call of his career on April 29, 2022, also came in overtime when Casey Mittelstadt netted the game-winner for Buffalo.

“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 in a statement. “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.”

He is also a member of the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame and Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

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