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who was rich Rick Jeanneret ?
Rick Jeanneret, known as “RJ,” embodied the essence of Canadian hockey broadcasting. Born on July 23, 1942, in St. Catharines, Ontario, he etched his name into the sport’s history. His journey began as the play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Sabres and the Sabres Hockey Network, a role he embraced for an incredible 51 years—from the team’s second season in 1971-72 until his final call after the 2021-22 season. This enduring commitment stands as the longest tenure for a play-by-play announcer with a single NHL team.
RJ’s vibrant narration, inventive player nicknames, and fervent goal announcements endeared him to fans across the globe. His signature suspenders and uncanny resemblance to the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield added a touch of charisma to his broadcasts. Starting on radio, he seamlessly transitioned to television during the 1995-96 season, eventually shouldering both TV and radio play-by-play responsibilities from the 1997-98 season onward.
Throughout his journey, Jeanneret collaborated with notable broadcasters like Jim Lorentz, Harry Neale, and former Sabres enforcer Rob Ray. “RJ” became more than a voice; he became an integral part of the Sabres family and hockey lore. His contributions resonate deeply within the hearts of fans and colleagues, leaving an indelible mark on the world of hockey and the Buffalo Sabres franchise.
Rick Jeanneret Death reason.
The Buffalo Sabres released a touching statement that brings a mix of sorrow and reflection. John Richard Jeanneret, lovingly known as “RJ,” passed away in the company of his beloved family, who stood by him with unwavering love and care. His journey was marked by a courageous two-year battle against multi-organ failure, a fight that he faced with remarkable strength.
Throughout his remarkable life, RJ’s voice echoed through the airwaves, weaving a tapestry of excitement and passion for hockey fans across the globe. For more than half a century, his enthusiastic commentary painted vivid pictures of the game, etching unforgettable moments in the hearts of countless listeners.
In the poignant words shared by his family, the depth of their emotions and the lasting impact of RJ’s presence shine through. “He will be loved forever,” they tenderly expressed, capturing the eternal admiration and gratitude that will continue to surround him. As we remember RJ’s legacy, it’s a reminder that his passion and spirit will forever be a cherished part of the hockey world.
Rick Jeanneret Age.
81 Years
Rick Jeanneret Net worth.
Jeanneret had a net worth estimated to be about $3 million
Rick Jeanneret Last Game.
On April 29, 2022, something really special happened. It was the last game for John Richard Jeanneret, the guy we all know as “RJ.” The Buffalo Sabres were playing against the Chicago Blackhawks, and this game marked the end of an era. In a twist of fate, during this game, Casey Mittelstadt scored a game-winning goal in overtime, and Jeanneret got to describe that amazing moment. It was like the perfect send-off, his final call capturing the kind of excitement he’d been sharing with us for so long.
But that wasn’t all. After the game, something incredibly touching took place. RJ made his way down to the ice, and what he saw was just heartwarming. The fans, those who had been listening to his voice and feeling his energy for years, were there chanting his name. Can you imagine? It must have been such a powerful and emotional moment for him, knowing he had touched so many people’s lives through his broadcasts.
Buffalo News
Rick Jeanneret’s list of his Top 4 Buffalo Sabres memories is scary good.
Scary meeting with Toe Blake–
Back in the early days of his career, Rick Jeanneret had a pretty scary encounter with someone unexpected. You know, those moments that stick with you. He was doing a game at the Montreal Forum, broadcasting from the Plexiglas area. But there was this guy nearby who didn’t look like your usual media type. Turned out it was Toe Blake, the legendary Canadiens coach who had a record of winning 10 Stanley Cups as both a coach and a player.
So, Buffalo scores a goal, and RJ gets all excited like he always does. But that didn’t sit well with Mr. Blake. He got really mad, and in both English and French, he let loose with a string of not-so-nice words directed at Rick. Imagine trying to keep your cool on the air while a Hall of Famer is giving you an earful!
Things got a bit intense, and security had to step in to escort Blake away. RJ was just a young guy then, so you can bet he was pretty rattled. But here’s the twist: the next time the Sabres played in Montreal, RJ sees Toe Blake heading his way before the game. Oh boy, talk about nerve-wracking déjà vu!
But guess what? Toe Blake comes up, reaches out, and shakes RJ’s hand. He apologizes for losing his cool earlier and thanks RJ for not making things worse. Then he looks RJ square in the eye and says, “Now you know why I don’t coach.” What a moment, right? RJ wishes that microphone was live to capture that unexpected twist, but hey, sometimes the best moments happen just before the cameras start rolling.
‘Mayday! Mayday!’ –
Back on April 24, 1993, there was a moment in Sabres history that got everyone jumping. It was Brad May’s goal, the one that sealed a four-game sweep of the tough Boston Bruins in the playoffs. You can bet that place, the Aud, was absolutely rocking. Rick Jeanneret, the voice of the Sabres, recalls that the roar from the fans was like something you’ve never heard before.
Now, the thing is, people in the stands were so amped up that they might not have caught the exact words of the commentary. But that didn’t matter, because the goal itself was what really stole the show. See, what’s kind of forgotten nowadays is that May didn’t just score any old goal. He went up against Raymond Bourque, who’s a big name in the Hall of Fame. So, it wasn’t just about the goal – it was about outsmarting a top-notch defenseman and securing that spot in the next round of the playoffs.
In those days, that kind of victory was a pretty big deal, and it showed how skilled and determined the Sabres were. And that’s the sort of moment that sticks with you, where you remember not just the words, but the feeling of excitement and triumph that filled the air.
No Goal –
You know, there are those moments in sports that just stick in your memory, for better or worse. One of those moments happened on June 20, 1999, in the sixth game of the Stanley Cup finals. Brett Hull, playing for Dallas, scored that winning goal in the third overtime against the Sabres, giving them a 2-1 victory and the Stanley Cup.
Rick Jeanneret, the guy who’s known for his passionate commentary, had something to say about that moment. He didn’t hold back. He saw the goal and right away, he thought, “Wait a second, is that really a goal?” You see, that whole season, goals had been called back because of skates being in the crease, and it seemed like the norm. So, it was a shock when they called it a goal. Jeanneret even mentioned some email or memo from the league that nobody seemed to know about. That moment, that decision, it kind of felt like a curveball that nobody was ready for.
Looking back, Jeanneret shared his thoughts on how that decision might have changed the course of history. He said that it might not have totally denied Buffalo a shot at the Stanley Cup, because they still had to come back and win the series, which is no small feat. But it was that call that kind of marked the end of the road, the moment when you know things aren’t going to go your way. Those are the moments that fans and players remember for a long, long time.
‘LalalaFontaine’ on goals scored by Pat LaFontaine
“Any of them, for that matter. My favorite would have been right before Christmas in Ottawa when he scored. I did ‘the Fa La La Fontaine.’ ”
