When you talk Buffalo Sabres hockey one name comes to mind Rick Jeanneret. He is an icon in the Western New York area and too many the best ever to call a hockey game. Being with the Sabres organization from the 1971-1972 season he is the longest tenured announcer for one team in the league.
Known for his electrifying calls and emotions during games that have people always watching to see what he will come up with next.
A few phrases he has used that many know are: “Top shelve where momma hides the cookies”, “May Day! May Day! May Day!”, “These guys are good scary good” and “LA LA LA LA LA Lafontaine.
While calling games he has worked with some different partners. Two that come to mind are Jim Lorentz and Harry Neale. Lorentz worked with Jeanneret for just about 20 years and they were a great team.
I always looked forward to hearing what they had to say during the games and also anything new that they came up with. Since then Harry Neale has gotten into the booth with Rick. It’s been nearly 5 years since he came aboard and since that time they have grown to become a good duo to call the games.
Since being here in Buffalo Rick has been awarded with some great acknowledgments. First on August 31st, 2011 he was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame. That night he and former player Dale Hawerchuk received the honor. Also just recently on June 6th ,2012 it was announced that Rick will also be going into the Greater Buffalo Hall a Fame.
That brings us to today where Rick has been contacted to be inducted in the NHL Hall of Fame. He is this year’s winner of the Foster Hewitt award. I will defiantly dread the day he decides this isn’t for him anymore, but until then I hope he realizes his fans knew this day was coming and I couldn’t be happier for him.
My only wish for Rick is that the Sabres can win a Stanley cup before he retires. If anyone was deserving of that it sure is Rick. Listening to his famous calls every once in a while gives me chills. His passion and love for Sabres hockey is awesome. If you don’t know Rick Jeanneret I suggest you look up some of his calls and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
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-John Starba
