“Greatest to ever call hockey” – NHL fans pay respect as legendary announcer Bob Cole passes away at age of 90
Hockey Hall of Famer Bob Cole left for his heavenly abode at the age of 90 after spending five decades as a play-by-play NHL announcer.
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Bob Cole (Image via CBC)
On Wednesday night, the National Hockey League (NHL) lost one of their biggest names as legendary announcer Bob Cole passed away at the age of 90. The veteran sports icon died in St. John, Canada surrounded by his family and his daughter, Megan Cole.
The Hall of Famer was well known for his iconic calls during the “Hockey Night in Canada“. After starting his broadcasting career in radio, Cole would go on to spend 50 years as an announcer of the NHL and went on to become the ‘soundtrack‘ of the nation.
He was also known for his coverage of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Cole would work as the play-by-play announcer of the Leafs for 28 years between 1990 to 2008.
Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe would go on to call it a “sad day” for hockey while paying his tribute to Cole.
As someone who touched the game in so many ways but as an icon in our sport, the voice of hockey not just in Toronto but in our country so a sad day for sure and our thoughts are with everyone.Sheldon Keefe said.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman would label his voice as the “sound of hockey” while mourning his death and hailed him as one of the “true greats” of the game.
The National Hockey League mourns the passing of one of the true greats of our game, who long ago joined his idol Foster Hewitt in the pantheon of hockey broadcasters. We send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends and the millions across Canada for whom the sound of Bob Cole's voice was the sound of hockey.Gary Bettman said via NHL.com.
Fan reactions towards passing of Bob Cole
In the midst of a fantastic Stanley Cup Playoffs run, the passing of Bob Cole was something many were not expecting. The news of his demise has shaken the entire NHL community.
Fans on social media were quick to pay their respects for Cole. While many went on to recall some of his finest moments, others labeled him as the best announcer the sport had seen. One X user joined them and labeled him as the “greatest” to ever commentate on a game.
The greatest to ever call hockey.One X user commented.
Check out some reactions from below:
Cole called his last game on 6th April, 2019 when the Maple Leafs took on the Montreal Canadiens. He will be remembered as a legend of the sport whose storied legacy will live on forever.
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Vinay Dave
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