Rick Jeanneret, a renowned play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Sabres, has passed away at the age of 81, as announced by the team on Thursday. Jeanneret was the voice of the Sabres for five decades and was known for his memorable calls.
Jeanneret served as the Sabres’ play-by-play announcer from 1971-72 through 2021-22. His exceptional work in the booth earned him a place in the Sabres Hall of Fame, the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, and the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Sabres owner Terry Pegula expressed his condolences on Jeanneret’s passing, highlighting how fortunate everyone in the organization was to have been part of Jeanneret’s career.
“Rick was truly a special and beloved man, both to those who knew him and listened to him, with his magic and commanding presence,” stated Pegula. “I am grateful to have known him. We were all fortunate to have been around him and to have heard his voice.
“Rick Jeanneret’s impact on Sabres history goes well beyond the broadcast booth, and he will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to Sandra, Rick’s family, friends, and all those who were touched by him.”
Sabres forward Alex Tuch, a Syracuse, New York native, grew up as a fan of the team and listened to Jeanneret’s calls throughout his childhood. Tuch was present on April 1, 2022, when the Sabres honored Jeanneret by raising a banner in his honor, making him the 11th individual in the organization to receive such recognition. Tuch expressed his appreciation for Jeanneret’s well-deserved recognition.
“Being a Sabres fan since I was 3 years old, it meant a lot to me to see someone who greatly influenced my love for the game being honored in that way,” Tuch remarked. “It was an incredible night overall, and it was amazing to witness the applause and gratitude shown to him.”
Jeanneret provided the commentary for some of the most thrilling moments in the history of the franchise. Perhaps his most iconic call was his “May Day” call of Brady May’s overtime goal against the Boston Bruins in the 1993 Stanley Cup Playoffs, which sent the Sabres to the second round for the first time in ten years.
Jeanneret concluded his tenure as Buffalo’s play-by-play announcer after the 2021-22 season, but his impact on the game of hockey will be everlasting.
