For many years a popular NHL broadcaster turned down offers to enter his team's Hall of Fame because he's really a shy person. But this year, he finally backed down -- to make his aging mom proud.
Rick Jeanneret, legendary voice of the Buffalo Sabres, accepted the team's offer to join its Hall of Fame because he wanted his 91-year-old mother, Kay, to enjoy the experience with him.
Jeanneret began calling Sabres games 40 years ago in 1971. He's the longest tenured announcer in the NHL. Jeanneret received loud appreciation from a sellout crowd on Tuesday night. He told the Niagara Gazette he gave in after receiving "a lot of encouragement" from his mom.
The Buffalo broadcaster often wears his trademark suspenders and has a strange resemblance to late comedian Rodney Dangerfield.
Jeanneret raised a saber in appreciation to the fans after he and Dale Hawerchuk were inducted into the Sabres Hall of Fame Class of 2012.
Kay Jeanneret watched her son's honor from a suite high above the First Niagara Center. She met Sabres owner Terry Pegula and the team president before the game and her son claimed it sent her to "seventh heaven."
"She's absolutely having the time of her life up there, and I'm glad that I made the decision to do it now," Jeanneret said after seeing the joy on her mom's face.
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Profile of Rick Jeanneret on NHL.com 10 Classic Sabres Calls From Rick Jeanneret |
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