Bob Cole, a legendary broadcaster known for his work on “Hockey Night in Canada,” passed away at the age of 90. Cole called Toronto Maple Leafs games from 1980 until 2019, as well as several Olympic Games, the World Cup of Hockey, and numerous Stanley Cup Finals. His iconic calls, such as his famous “Oh baby” catchphrase and the memorable “gore” incident during the 2002 Olympics, made him a beloved figure in the hockey world. Cole’s daughter Megan shared that her father had been healthy right up until his passing, and tributes poured in from players, coaches, and fans mourning his loss.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman praised Bob Cole for making every game he called sound larger than life and for sharing his passion for the game with eloquence and enthusiasm. Cole’s career in broadcasting spanned over five decades, starting with his first radio broadcast between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens in 1969. He transitioned to television in 1973 and went on to call his last game in April 2019. Honored by the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996 with the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster, Cole left a lasting impact on the sport and its fans.
The hockey community mourned the loss of a broadcasting legend, with players, coaches, and fellow broadcasters praising Cole’s professionalism, talent, and passion for the game. Nathan MacKinnon, a Nova Scotia native and Colorado Avalanche center, fondly remembered meeting Cole at charity events in Halifax and described him as an amazing person with a great sense of humor. Winnipeg Jets coach Rick Bowness highlighted Cole’s trustworthiness and professionalism, stating that he was a true pro who called every game with excellence. Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper likened Cole to the “Wayne Gretzky of announcers” and expressed his sadness at the passing of a true superstar in the sport.
In addition to his work with “Hockey Night in Canada,” Bob Cole called games for various prestigious events such as the Olympics, the World Cup of Hockey, and the Stanley Cup Finals. His passion for the game, coupled with his unique style of calling plays, endeared him to generations of hockey fans and solidified his status as a broadcasting icon. Cole’s contributions to the sport were recognized with the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest hockey broadcasters of all time. His impact on the sport and his memorable calls will be dearly missed by fans, players, and colleagues alike.
Known for his iconic catchphrases and enthusiastic delivery, Bob Cole’s presence behind the microphone elevated the excitement of hockey games and endeared him to fans across the country. His ability to capture the intensity and emotion of pivotal moments on the ice set him apart as a broadcasting legend, with his calls becoming synonymous with the thrill of the game. Cole’s legacy as a trailblazer in hockey broadcasting will continue to inspire future generations of sports announcers and leave an indelible mark on the sport he loved. The outpouring of tributes and expressions of gratitude following his passing serve as a testament to the impact Bob Cole had on the hockey community and the lasting influence of his remarkable career.
