Rick Jeanneret, the beloved play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Sabres, passed away on Thursday at the age of 81.
Jeanneret called Sabres games from 1971 until his retirement in 2022, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012. He was known for his signature calls, such as “May Day” and “Scary Good,” and he was beloved by Sabres fans for his enthusiasm and passion for the game.
Jeanneret was a member of the Sabres Hall of Fame, the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, and the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He was also an honorary member of the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame.
Jeanneret’s death was met with sadness and tributes from fans, players, and other members of the hockey community. Sabres owner Terry Pegula said that Jeanneret was “a very special and very loved man” and that his “mark on Sabres history extends far beyond the broadcast booth.”
Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said that Jeanneret was “the voice of our city” and that he “helped foster my love of hockey, along with so many others.”
Jeanneret is survived by his wife, Sandra, his children, Mark, Chris, and Shelly, and many beloved grandchildren.
