Bob Cole, one of hockey’s most revered broadcasters, has died.
He was 90.
The native of St. John’s, N.L., was on Hockey Night in Canada for 50 years, completing his run after the 2018-19 season.
Beginning his hockey-broadcasting career with VOCM radio in his hometown, Cole moved into television in 1973.
In addition to 50 years on Hockey Night in Canada, Cole has also called hockey play-by-play for multiple Olympic Games.
One of his most famous calls came in the final seconds of Canada’s gold medal win at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
“Now after 50 years it’s time for Canada to stand up and cheer,” he said. “Stand up and cheer everybody. The Olympics Salt Lake City, 2002, men’s ice hockey, gold medal: Canada.”
A Gemini-award winning broadcaster, Cole is a member of the Order of Canada and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996 as a recipient of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for broadcasting excellence.
