Rick Jeanneret was a Canadian television and radio personality who was best known as the play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Sabres hockey team.
He was born John Richard Jeanneret on July 23, 1942, in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, and was raised in Terrace Bay, Ontario.
Jeanneret began his sports commentary career in 1963 and worked for several teams before joining the Sabres in 1971.
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.
Jeanneret was known as “RJ” within the Sabres organization and by close associates.
She was known for his energetic delivery, colorful player nicknames, passionate goal calls, and his trademark suspenders worn on air and uncanny resemblance to late comedian Rodney Dangerfield.
He was also known for his iconic catchphrases, such as “May Day! May Day!” and “La-la-la-la-la-la-Fontaine!”.
Jeanneret was a beloved figure in Western New York and the hockey world, and his death on August 17, 2023, at the age of 81 was mourned by many.
He was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012.
Rick Jeanneret forever. 💙💛pic.twitter.com/zOEwKaMkYX
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 18, 2023
Rick Jeanneret wife
Jeanneret’s wife is named Sandra whom they resided in Niagara Falls, Ontario together.
She had two sons named Mark and Chris, and a stepdaughter named Shelly.
Rick Jeanneret death
The legendary broadcaster known for his work with the Buffalo Sabres passed away at the age of 81 on August 17, 2023.
The cause of his death was reported as “multi-organ failures”.
Jeanneret had a long and illustrious career, calling Sabres games for over 50 years and becoming a beloved figure in the world of hockey broadcasting.
His death has been met with an outpouring of condolences and tributes from fans, colleagues, and the hockey community as a whole.
Many have expressed their sadness and shared memories of his iconic play-by-play calls.
Jeanneret’s contributions to the sport and his impact on fans, particularly in the Buffalo area, are widely recognized and appreciated.
He is survived by his wife Sandra, his children, and grandchildren.
A statement from the family of Rick Jeanneret. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/0vnbXAxytN
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) August 18, 2023
Rick Jeanneret career
Jeanneret was a Canadian sports broadcaster who was best known for his play-by-play commentary of Buffalo Sabres games.
His career began off-air at CHUM in Toronto.
To get on the air, he took classes from the Midwest Broadcasting School, a Chicago-based institution that he described as a “crash course” in broadcasting.
Upon graduation, Jeanneret was hired as a disc jockey at CKLY in Lindsay, Ontario. He was then hired by CHVC, later CJRN in Niagara Falls.
Jeanneret began his career with the Sabres in 1971, and he became the team’s full-time play-by-play announcer in 1972.
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.
Jeanneret was known as “RJ” within the Sabres organization and by close associates.
Due to increasing age and health concerns, his retirement had been long rumored and speculated.
Each year since the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Jeanneret had signed one-year contracts with the Sabres.