Bob Cole, a legendary broadcaster known for his work on “Hockey Night in Canada,” passed away at the age of 90. Cole, who called Toronto Maple Leafs games from 1980 to 2019, was also known for his coverage of several Olympic Games, the World Cup of Hockey, and numerous Stanley Cup Finals. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation announced his death, stating that Cole had been healthy up until his passing. His daughter Megan described him as a legend and a great man, with Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon recalling him as an amazing person with some of the best calls of all time.
Cole was best known for his trademark “Oh baby” call and for blending the words “goal” and “score” to create the iconic “gore” call after a Joe Sakic goal in the 2002 Olympics. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman praised Cole for making every game he called sound bigger and for sharing his passion and talent for the sport across generations. Cole’s career in broadcasting began in 1969 with a radio broadcast between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens, eventually moving to TV in 1973. He received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996 for his outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster.
Winnipeg Jets coach Rick Bowness described Cole as a true pro, trusted by coaches and hockey people alike, who called a great game. Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper compared Cole to Wayne Gretzky, calling him a superstar in the sport. The hockey world mourned the loss of Cole, with many expressing their admiration for his contributions to the game. Cole’s impact on the world of hockey broadcasting was profound, with his distinctive voice and iconic calls becoming synonymous with the sport for fans across generations.
The news of Cole’s passing elicited an outpouring of tributes and memories from players, coaches, and fans who had been touched by his work over the years. Cole’s ability to capture the excitement and majesty of hockey through his eloquent and enthusiastic commentary endeared him to audiences around the world. His legacy as one of the greatest broadcasters in the history of the sport is firmly established, with his contributions to the game celebrated and remembered by all who had the pleasure of hearing him call a game.
As fans and colleagues remember Bob Cole’s legendary career and his impact on hockey broadcasting, his presence in the sport will be sorely missed. His distinctive voice and unforgettable calls have left an indelible mark on the world of hockey, with his passion and talent for the game shining through in every broadcast. Bob Cole’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of fans and the annals of hockey history, as his contributions to the sport endure and his memory remains cherished by all who had the privilege of hearing him call a game.
