Rick Jeanneret was a Canadian television and radio personality who was best known as the play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Sabres, a professional ice hockey team.
He had a legendary broadcasting career that spanned 51 years, making him one of the franchise’s biggest icons.
Jeanneret was born on July 23, 1942, in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
He began his sports commentary career in 1963 and worked alongside Jim Lorentz for over 20 years before Lorentz retired.
Jeanneret was known for his distinctive and passionate style of announcing, which endeared him to fans and made him a beloved figure in the Buffalo community.
He had a deep connection with the fans and was aware of how much they loved him. In one of his speeches, he expressed his love for the fans and received their love in return.
Throughout his career, Jeanneret received numerous accolades and honors.
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport of hockey.
In 2022, his name was raised to the rafters of the arena in a special ceremony to honor his legacy.
Jeanneret passed away on August 17, 2023, at the age of 81.
His death was mourned by the Buffalo Sabres organization, fans, and the hockey community as a whole.
Jeanneret left behind a lasting legacy as the voice of the Buffalo Sabres and will be remembered for his passion, enthusiasm, and love for the game of hockey.
Rick Jeanneret cause of death
As mentioned above, the legendary Buffalo Sabres broadcaster passed away on August 17, 2023.
According to his family statement, he had been suffering from multi-organ failures for the past two years, which ultimately led to his death.
It can be concluded that his death was due to age-related ailments.
Rick Jeanneret career
Jeanneret had a long and successful career as a play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Sabres.
She began his broadcasting career in 1964 at Buffalo’s WKBW radio station.
He started off-air at CHUM in Toronto and took classes from the Midwest Broadcasting School to get on the air.
Jeanneret joined the Buffalo Sabres organization in October 1971 and became the play-by-play announcer for the team.
He was known as “RJ” within the Sabres organization and by close associates.
Jeanneret worked alongside Jim Lorentz for over 20 years before Lorentz retired. He also had Harry Neale as his partner through the 2011-12 season.
In addition to his radio play-by-play duties, he moved to television during the 1995-96 season and began doubling both television and radio play-by-play duties during the 1997-98 season.
Throughout his career, Jeanneret became known for his passionate and memorable calls of Sabres games.
He had a unique and energetic style that endeared him to fans.
After a long and successful career, Jeanneret announced his retirement in 2022 having called his final game during the Sabres’ season finale.
Rick Jeanneret forever. 💙💛pic.twitter.com/zOEwKaMkYX
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 18, 2023