Highlight Film Rolls On As Buffalo Sabres Fans Miss Rick Jeanneret
Rick Jeanneret was the best of everyone who’s the best at what they do. The top of the greatest left behind half a century or so of the most marvelous accounts of the contests that happened in front of him. A person who did exactly what he was best suited to do lives on accompanying our hockey recollections following his unbearably sad passing.
The voice of a team, city, and sport echoes on. Mention Rick’s name and every Sabres fan hears him. That’s not going to change. We rattle off a list of legendary characterizations while recalling gripping descriptions of routine plays. Strive to remain enthusiastic about every moment in his honor.
Social media allows us to learn awful news instantly. I opened what I still refer to as Twitter and saw a post from the Sabres featuring text against a black background. That’s never good news. The shock of the loss is exacerbated by not knowing about his health concerns. We hope those admired are doing well without specifics being our business. As with Norm Macdonald, I didn’t even know he was sick.
I wished 81 years were just the start. There would have been nothing more satisfying than knowing he had a long retirement to bask in adulation while watching games as a spectator. It’s the same feeling as yearning for the Ramones to still be with us as adored icons who lounge on well-earned t-shirt revenue.
No superlatives seem excessive. A universally beloved figure united everyone no matter differences on other issues. Even those with differing opinions regarding coaching approach, playing style, and roster makeup agreed about one thing.
Making everything better is a sign of a job well done. Rick’s unparalleled work enhanced exciting times while making tough ones bearable. A singular gift for using words to explain what’s happening allowed him to instantly conjure stimulating athletic scenes.
Catching him on radio was the ultimate in consolation prizes for those who couldn’t catch the action on television during his career’s first half. Rick offered the perfect contrast to the amazing Ted Darling. How can two people approach a job so differently at which both are incredible? Sabres fans were truly blessed.
Moving to a simulcast was a call so good that it was Rick-worthy. Broadcasters will explain the nuances between a radio commentator providing vivid detail while the television announcer lets images speak. The exception is letting one person do those two jobs if you happen to have Rick Jeanneret at your disposal.
Those both watching and listening got to relish genuine zeal. He seemed to really enjoy hockey just like everyone else watching. Expression of a fan’s gusto is a noble goal that came naturally. Explaining while enhancing is the supreme goal which he achieved during every matchup. Rick brought narratives that themselves illustrate why we love sports.
Everyone who admired him from afar treasures even a few moments spent thanking him. I was lucky enough to have met him at a signing last year where I joined the countless devotees who offered recognition for decades of thrills. And I couldn’t be more grateful to have been in attendance the night his name was raised to the rafters featuring an ending that could’ve been scripted with my friend Glenn, a Sabres diehard from the Philadelphia area who became enthralled in part through RJ’s lively portrayals.
Those who miss the deceased appreciate any chance to remember. I stopped by Alumni Plaza Friday night to see the display of his initials set to his greatest hits. Let’s give a stick tap to whoever put cookies on the top shelf.
What’s the best permanent tribute to join the RJ banner? Mourning fans wonder if there’s any other way to celebrate him. I join widespread requests for a Rick statue either greeting fans outside the arena or seated in the concourse. And I might humbly suggest co-naming the press box as long as doing so would be respectful to Ted.
His unofficial worldwide fan club immediately altered viewing schedules. Sabres fans canceled whatever was planned to watch Sabres highlights, which means watching Rick’s simultaneously. I’ve spent a few days basking in his electrification over goals, saves, and fights to cope. Playing his Roll the Highlight Film compilation is my traditional season-ending commemoration. I’ll savor it in any format: I unearthed my CD copy after finding the YouTube clip courtesy of whoever was kind enough to share it virtually. You can but don’t have to, as the audio delivery alone enraptures.
The man associated with this team from nearly its start will always define his profession. Blessed Sabres backers got to experience the apex of portraying play. His final sign-off just became even more poignant.
Rick’s remarkable intonation remains what hockey sounds like. Nobody ever did or will ever do it better. Everyone with any allegiance to the Sabres who misses the icon can only imagine the loss felt by loved ones. Those grieving from afar hope his family takes comfort in fond memories of his company just as fans cherish getting to delight in play-by-play’s embodiment for so long.
Blessedly, his legacy was recorded. We get to luxuriate in Rick’s stirring output thanks to him happening to work in an industry based on documentation. The vocal depictions live on forever.
