Rick Jeanneret

Rick Jeanneret
Born
John Richard Jeanneret

(1942-07-23)July 23, 1942
DiedAugust 17, 2023(2023-08-17) (aged 81)
OccupationAnnouncer
Years active1963–2022
SpouseSandra Dewberry
ChildrenMark
Chris
Sports commentary career
TeamBuffalo Sabres
GenrePlay-by-play announcer
SportIce hockey

John Richard Jeanneret[1] (July 23, 1942 – August 17, 2023) was a Canadian television and radio personality best known as the play-by-play announcer for the National Hockey League's Buffalo Sabres and its broadcast network, the Sabres Hockey Network for 51 years. Having started with the team on radio during the team's second season in 1971–72, and ending his career after the 2021–22 season, he was the longest-tenured play-by-play announcer with a single team in NHL history.[2] 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. He was known as "RJ" within the Sabres organization and by close associates.[3]

  1. ^ Mendola, Nick (October 2012). "Broadcaster, Fan, Hall of Famer: Rick Jeanneret Reflects". Buffalo Spree. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
  2. ^ "Jeannert Receives Foster Hewitt Memorial Award". Sabres.com. NHL.com. Retrieved June 13, 2012.
  3. ^ "Voice of the Sabres to call fewer games; Jeanneret decides to curb road trips". Buffalo, NY: The Buffalo News. May 27, 2011. Archived from the original on March 23, 2015.