The Buffalo Sabres announced late last night that Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Rick Jeanneret passed away yesterday at the age of 81. Jeanneret began his career with the franchise when it was just one year old, joining their broadcasting crew for the 1971-72 campaign and working for the team for 50 years. He retired after the end of the 2021-22 campaign.
Sabres owner Terry Pegula offered a statement on Jeanneret’s passing:
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. How glad I am to have known him. How lucky were we all to have been around him and to have listened to him. [His] 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.
His body of work with the Sabres made Jeanneret one of the most respected broadcasters in sports history, let alone just Buffalo or the NHL. The longest-tenured play-by-play announcer in league history, Jeanneret had a banner raised in the Sabres’ KeyBank Center at the end of the 2021-22 season, putting his name alongside the team’s retired numbers such as Gilbert Perreault, Pat LaFontaine, Dominik Hasek, and Ryan Miller.
General manager Kevyn Adams also spoke on Jeanneret’s legacy:
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. 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.
All of us at PHR also extend our utmost condolences to the Jeanneret family and join the hockey community in honoring one of the most legendary off-ice careers in the sport.
From “MAY DAY! MAY DAY!” to “HE ROBBED HIM! CALL A COP, HE ROBBED HIM!”, an absolute legend. RIP.
Rest In Peace,Rick
Condolences to his family, friends, Sabres’ fans and hockey fans in general.
One of the greats.
I hope Mike Lange is doing well.
Rip to a legend. Definitely going to go down as one of my all time favorite announcers, regardless of sport.
Our legends are passing away. Enjoy them while they’re still with us. RIP, RJ.
Heartfelt support to the family. His sense of humor and personality will live in with so many of us.
Deeply saddened by this news. Condolences to Rick’s family and friends. As my colleague @Gbear stated above, enjoy these great broadcasters while you can. They have made the game immensely enjoyable, win or lose. Thank you, Rick, and may you rest in Peace.
I’m a Stars fan but when I would look to watch another team, watching Sabres games was a real treat just to hear RJ. One of the true best in the league. Rest in peace Rick, you will be truly missed.
La La La La Lafontaine
For obvious reasons, I was biting through my lip upon hearing the MAY DAY! call, but there’s no denying that he was a legendary broadcaster who *meant* the Sabres to many a fan. Rest well, sir; you will be long remembered by Sabres Nation.