Senate Resolution No. 2360
BY: Senator RYAN
CONGRATULATING Rick Jeanneret upon the occasion of
his retirement after 51 years of distinguished
service to the Buffalo Sabres Hockey Team
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding sports announcers who distinguish themselves through their
exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest
level of personal achievement; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratule Rick Jeanneret upon the occasion of his retirement after 51
years of service to the Buffalo Sabres Hockey Team; and
WHEREAS, Currently the longest-tenured broadcaster in hockey, Rick
Jeanneret will retire after his final call when the Buffalo Sabres host
the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, April 29, 2022; and
WHEREAS, A native of St. Catharines, Ontario, Rick "RJ" Jeanneret
began his long career as a sports broadcaster in 1963, when he filled in
for the regular announcer at a Niagara Falls Flyers (Junior A) game; he
went on to become the color analyst for one season before moving to the
play-by-play position in 1965; and
WHEREAS, Rick Jeanneret became the Buffalo Sabres' radio
play-by-play announcer on October 10, 1971, and in 1995, he began
calling the action for the team's televised games as well; and
WHEREAS, Known as the voice of the Buffalo Sabres, Rick Jeanneret's
memorable calls and player nicknames have become forever linked with the
club's history for generations of fans, from "May Day" to
"La-La-La-La-La-La-LaFontaine" to "Scary Good" to "Top Shelf, Where
Momma Hides the Cookies"; and
WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his
profession, Rick Jeanneret was the recipient of numerous awards and
accolades including the prestigious 2012 Foster Hewitt Memorial Award;
he was recognized by the Hockey Hall of Fame in November of 2012, and
inducted into the Sabres Hall of Fame in 2011, and the Greater Buffalo
Sports Hall of Fame in 2012; and
WHEREAS, On April 1, 2022, before the game against the Nashville
Predators, a banner bearing Rick Jeanneret's name was raised to the
KeyBank Center rafters alongside other Sabres legends before an
enthusiastic, sold-out crowd which included his family, past and present
broadcast partners, owners Terry and Kim Pegula, and more than 30 former
Sabres players; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his career, spanning over five decades, Rick
Jeanneret will always be remembered for his distinctive voice and for
his knowledge and passion for the game of hockey; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Sandra, and their
two sons, Mark and Chris, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure with the Buffalo Sabres Hockey Team, Rick
Jeanneret truly earned the admiration, esteem and affection of his
colleagues; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Rick Jeanneret upon the occasion of his retirement after 51
years of distinguished service to the Buffalo Sabres Hockey Team, and to
wish him great success in all his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rick Jeanneret.
