Honoring And Remembering The Life And Legacy Of Rick Jeanneret | Buffalo Sabres

Friends, family, Buffalo Sabres players, fellow broadcasters, and more pay tribute to the legendary Buffalo Sabres broadcaster Rick Jeanneret. Rick Jeanneret passed on August 17, 2023 with his family by his side after a two year battle with multi-organ failures. He will be loved forever.
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[@gregschlierf7014]

Today is probably the saddest day in Buffalo Sports history. Teams always get 'another chance' to win, players get another game. Every fan of the Sabres, lost something today. We will never get to hear him make the call we all dreamed about. You know what it is. Sympathy and peace to his family.

[@716_adventures3]

As sad as I am that RJ will never get to make that call himself, I'm equally as sad we'll never get to hear him make it 😢 whenever it does happen, we'll all be thinking of him.

[@Mrcraigtucker]

Truly an icon. I don't think I'd be the fan of this team that I am without this man. When they finally lift the cup, whether it's in 5 years or 50, I'll surely think of RJ.

[@TippiGordon]

I'm crying for a person I've never met but whose voice has been in my ears my whole life. Thank you for all of the amazing memories, Mr. Jeanneret. And to all the guys in the locker room, next year and for years to come, play like RJ is calling your name.

[@scottlaboch4534]

A true legend... I'm glad RJ was able to see his banner raised before his passing. RIP RJ..😢

[@jim_again2245]

That night becomes more and more special to me. Glad I was able to be there

[@yoimstewy]

I honestly cannot imagine a different voice for the sabers RIP Rick.

[@Jaxhashacks]

I had just met Rick a few days ago at a 716 day signing he truly was the best play by play reporter and was an even better person I hope his legacy live on and rest in piece Rick❤

[@commanderneyo]

I'm a Rangers fan but what a wonderful tribute. RJ is one of the greatest play by play commentators in the history of hockey and he was an even better person. Rest Easy RJ

[@therapist6328]

Leaf fan here, saying the same thing. We both have had some great commentators, but the Sabres have the Vin Scully of the NHL. RiP RJ

[@MudFlap62]

Truly the GOAT of Play callers. Stellar performance every game. What a gift to the Buffalo. RIP Rick

[@therapist6328]

Not bad for a humble dude from southern Ontario to earn Legend status, south of his border. What a career! I only wish he could have "won" a Cup. That skate was in the crease, way back when. RIP from a Leaf Fan.

[@msctech]

From a Leafs fan, thanks for the wonderful memories. May your memories live on forever. Thank you Buffalo for having such a wonderful person on your team.

[@mikebrowne477]

Tears are streaming down my cheeks. I'm wrecked. We will always love you RJ.

[@ThePGiddy]

Same here. I'm gonna miss him more than I miss certain dead relatives 😢

[@Saint3188]

I was very emotional too the memories are flowing through me a mile a minute right now.

[@JohnnyZ716]

The voice of my childhood and adulthood. The absolute greatest to ever do it! Thank You RJ for all the wonderful memory's.

[@nosoup55]

RJ always sounded like he was describing the most amazing thing to you - you could hear it in his voice, and you believed it. This game of hockey. Condolences from Long Island

[@Spittlebone]

As a Leafs fan, I used to watch Sabres games when i was little at my grandfathers house. Hearing Rick call the games whether it was on the radio or on the tv always gave me the chills. He was and will always be the GOAT to me. Godspeed you magnificent bastard

[@OptimizeYourHealthPhD]

Immortal!!! RIP RJ... this 59 year old has been with you since a kid. AMAZING CAREER

[@historyrevisited1803]

Rest Easy RJ. You'll live forever in the memories of Buffalonians and all Sabres fans.

[@davidslife989]

WISHING his family ALL the best in this tough time! #RIPRJ

[@theanswerone863]

We will miss this legend. He was a true Sabre. I was at his last call game vs Chicago and I’m glad we got the win for RJ’s final call. RIP RJ, you were the Sabre of all time. Your banner will be top shelf where mama hides the cookies, forever.

[@alexjones91222]

I will never forget that man. His calls will live on forever. Truly the best of all time a true sabre

[@kashmoghal1955]

The very best sports commentator in US Sports, just my opinion from over the pond here in England

[@thefirefighter]

Rip rj it's like my child hood is gone I was watching games listening to him since I was born

[@DavidWsTrainVideos]

Absolute legend……whenever there was a Buffalo highlight reel goal, Rick’s voice was there with it. RIP from this Vegas/ Edmonton Fan.

[@MaxSkater69]

As a rochester native HE is the reason I’m a Sabres fan. No one lights up a game like he does.

[@nightmaredip]

Every time I hear the excitement in his voice I get goosebumps. Every time. A true legend. RIP RJ

[@markdebark5248]

"The Buffalo Sabres and RJ were meant for each other." I'm glad this team & city of Buffalo was able to show RJ how much we loved and appreciated him while he was alive. I grew up in an area that got the following teams on TV regularly: Sabres, Rangers, Islanders, Devils. Hearing RJ's calls as a teen is what got me to be a Sabres fan even though my family were Rangers fans. Even through rough years I couldn't not watch/listen, RJ was so electric and commanded your attention & excitement. He is the greatest Sabre of all time. RIP RJ, we love you.

[@Jame5man]

I may be a die hard Habs fan but it wasn’t just Buffalo that lost something on Thursday. It was hockey that lost something. The energy, the passion and love were undeniable. He made names like Maxim Afinoganov, Dave Hannan and Brad May live forever. The Sabres have lost part of themselves and as a result, hockey did too. Rest in peace Rick, may you live on in our hearts.

[@idek752]

rick made the sabres my second team, easily one of the greatest hockey announcers in the history of the sport RIP rick from a jets fan.

[@leegillette5783]

I’m so sad, he made a difference in my life for hockey. Rip Rick

[@ThePGiddy]

I'm not crying, you're crying. 😢 The Buffalo faithful will never forget you. Rest Easy RJ. We love you forever ❤️

[@lukewilhelm8270]

I just remember as a kid if I couldn’t watch the game I’d be listening to it on 550 and playing street hockey with my brothers. He made my younger year’s incredible and made me love the game and this team. Truly an icon. The Sabres should wear a commemorative patch for him this season

[@joe_friga]

Well that made me cry. Truly the GOAT. So many amazing memories from the time I was a small child to well into my adult life, and I can't thank you enough for that!! RIP ❤

[@momcilovukic4222]

Unfortunately I wasn't able to listen to RJ live a lot, but I have throughout the years I have watched every video of him I could find on KZbin. To say that it was a pleasure to listen to him would be an understatement. Rest in peace RJ, sincere condolences to the family from a Sabres fan from Serbia

[@andrewp3576]

It’s hard to describe to people who aren’t Sabres fans what RJ meant and means to all of us. He was my childhood. He was all of our childhoods. The countless memories I have of him, being lucky enough to meet him once, there will never be anyone like him. It feels like losing a member of my own family because I’m so many ways, he was. Thank you Mr. Jeanneret for starting my love of hockey, thank you for being an inspiration, and thank you for always being there for us. I will miss you more than words can describe.

[@jeromecarrier8094]

I'M a Canadian Montréal Fans, and the pain is very deep today... what a collective LOST for everybody! Thanks merci RJ!

[@tomgillotti]

The voice of my youth. We love you, RJ. May you live on forever and rest in peace. God bless you and your family. 🙏

[@thedominatior39]

That was a masterpiece

[@Crazy66]

Thank you for everything RJ. You were the person who helped make hockey such a passion of mine, Your legendary calls, and seemingly awesome personality are something we will never forget as sabres fans 💙

[@BillyBassBen]

One of my favorite announcers of all time has passed away…Rick Jeanneret was the type of announcer to get you excited and out of your seat, Rick was the type of man who cared deeply about the community of Buffalo. Rick was a one of a kind, and he will be missed by the Sabres community and all of Hockey as well. 💙💛🏒 Rest in peace Rick 😢

[@BrangeBurger]

What an absolute Buffalo legend. Absolutely devastated...RIP RJ.

[@JAYDEGARROW]

Playing hockey as a kid, every goal we imitated RJ's calls. RIP to the Goat

[@khxiii10]

It hurts to hear, one of the greats, Rest In Peace Rick, we all love you.

[@BuffaloBorn78]

I grew up imitating RJ. I'm just sad he never got to see them lift the Cup. He'll forever occupy the Top Shelf of Buffalo history.

[@danevertt3210]

…..subsequently, that’s also where momma hides the cookies

[@Saint3188]

I thought that too I wish they won it while he was here but they will someday and he will be calling it in the stadium in the sky.

[@frankiegreen5047]

As a New York Rangers Fan I remember when the Sabres eliminate my Rangers in the playoffs back in 2007 and I got chills listening to Rick Jeanneret’s tying and game winning goal! SCORRRRREEEEESSSSS!! R.I.P. Rick Jeanneret the legendary broadcaster of the Buffalo Sabres 💙💛🦬⚔️🏒

[@johnbarth684]

Truly a great man. He will be in our hearts for every game the Sabers play. RIP

[@jokermahem666]

Wow....sitting here crying my eyes out....ABSOLOUTE LEGEND !!! R.I.P. RIck ❤❤❤

[@douglasruddick9656]

When I went to buffalo games ,I used to take a tiny pocket radio and an ear Pearce and listen to the game from RJ and watch the game , A true icon that will be sadly missed Thanks R J

[@owenmurphy9287]

There will never be another like him. We love you Rick.

[@brianpesci]

A sad day in the Sabres hometown and the hockey world! Rest in peace amazing man, you brought, and continue to bring smiles to our faces with your effervescent style of calling a game.

[@jeffreyjenks8000]

This hurts so bad. Best commentator in all of sports

[@jeromecarrier8094]

As a Canadiens Montréal fan... I want to share my tought and prayers to all Buffalo Sabres FAns.. that's a Huge lost for everybody in the NHL... He is a pure legend Forever! RIP!

[@mikeing36]

Thank you for the excitement on the radio in my childhood, the calls on the television as I grew up, thank you for characterizing this incredible franchise. You will always be the Buffalo Sabres. You will forever be loved and remembered ❤️

[@sirokat]

As a lifelong Blue Jackets fan, RJ’s calls/personality alone was enough to make the Sabres my “second team.” No play-by-play commentator is, or likely ever will be as fun and energetic as he was.

[@kyerannisbet8895]

The greatest voice in sports history, and no one can convince me otherwise

[@dixiewinxeqandmore356]

❤❤❤. Rest in peace RJ. You will be missed. I have been a Sabres fan since i was introduced to the sport.

[@stannelson2582]

When my youngest was baby and not happy. I say thanks to Rick and his energetic voice. His voice always got her attention and changed our evening. Unhappy babies can be hard and Rick changed many evenings for us! Thank you!

[@sauce2000]

Every hockey fan in WNY has an RJ story. He is connected to so many of us emotionally. What a testament to him and how he mastered his profession. Gonna be one hell of a home opener this year. Better get some tissues. GOD BLESS YOU RJ AND THE ENTIRE JEANNERET FAMILY!!

[@jamaldee2355]

One of the best voices in hockey!!! Rest easy brother!!!🙏🏾😔

[@kmsignore]

Hearing his voice still gets my heart racing and I get goosebumps. Thanks God I got to hear his calls. So special.

[@USMarshmallow]

I will always remember his incredible calls. You've more than earned your rest, RJ. May you be at peace, and watch over the team, and Buffalo, from above. ❤️

[@Isaac.rj2]

Beautifully done 🙏🏻❤️

[@Bur6212]

This would give me goosebumps even if he was still alive.. now that he’s passed, even more goosebumps and tears watching…

[@robertmessinger6053]

Nobody did it better. He had an unbelievable sense for what was unfolding in front of him, like a great chess player. There was so much anticipation in his calls and the payoff never failed to deliver. He really knew how to build up a play and his enthusiasm was infectious, genuine. His ability to elevate a moment in time was incredible. RJ made regular season games sound like playoff games and playoff games sound like life or death. He was already sorely missed after only one season away from the game and he’ll be revered forever for his incredible calls. Basically, he was the thread that tied all generations of Sabres hockey together and he did it with self deprecating humor and dignity. Rick was the probably greatest figure in the history of the franchise, nobody meant more to us fans than RJ. RIP, let the legend grow…

[@nellietolb420]

Condolences from Minnesota. He was a class act and an entertainer through and through. RIP !

[@Brady_Biller3]

Being a sabres this is so heartbreaking. He was amazing and to hear that he died broke my heart. I’m gonna to miss him so much and he won’t be forgotten. Thanks RJ for everything❤

[@theodorebelmont7922]

May Day! May Day! May Day!!! Absolutely classic call. RIP one of the all time greats.

[@bobabooey4537]

I'm 50 now and I live in Southern Ontario. I've always lived 40 minutes to Toronto, 60 minutes to Buffalo and spent a lot of time listening to the Bills and Sabres on 550am. An NHL hockey fan who grew up from being a little kid, to a teen, into a grown man and father..... with Bob Cole on TV and Rick Jeanneret on the radio calling games. Bob brought an old school feel to the game while Rick gave us the intensity and excitement of the game. Bob is my all time favourite, radio guy Joe Bowen too.....but I know Rick Jeannerat called the best NHL hockey games.

[@BHV0810]

I'm not even a Buffalo fan, but I miss the guy already. Rick Jeanneret was one of the greatest to call the game. 51 years the announcer of the Buffalo Sabres. The longest tenured play-by-play guy in NHL history. Foster Hewitt Memorial Award winner. Hockey Hall of Famer. He was a gift to the city of Buffalo. Rest easy, RJ. You will be missed by the entire hockey world.

[@BourbonBasement1177]

man who ever put this together..... tears, just tears. what an amazing part of our culture here I Buffalo. Thanks R.J. for all the entertainment

[@TheRichardson711]

I became a sens fan in the early 2000s as a teenager. And being from Niagara just across the border from Buffalo, i was exposed to a memorable amount of RJ . The sens/sabers rivalry of that era wouldnt have been the same without hearing RJ on my tv. He's probably the best playbyplay guy ever when it comes to reflecting the emotions in the arena to the listener. I'm the farthest thing from a sabers fan, but his voice is burned in my memories forever.

[@edwardleigh13]

Perfectly done, the man was the best ever and he got to live his life doing what he loved for the team that he loved. I love you Rick, thank you.

[@jonfose7157]

What a sad day. I was always dreading the day RJ retired let alone pass away. This man is a legend. RIP

[@vide0dump]

Rest easy, legend.

[@skilldeadly8888]

He had the ability to make even the most boring game seem like the game of the year. He added so much to each game. Some of my favorite moments not just in Sabres history but in sports history because of his voice. He gave everything to this city. No announcer better than him. RIP Rick. Lets win one for him!

[@dmonsef]

He'll be missed, but his voice will never be forgotten! Not a Sabres fan, but I think all the Hockey World will feel less that RJ is gone.

[@cjwittmeyer]

My father raised me as a toddler in '72 listening to RJ's calls. I raised my kids to listen to them and now my grandchildren have enjoy them. Literally 4 generations of fans who have known no other voice (no disrespect Ted Darling) other than the greatest voice to ever call a hockey game. Thanks for making so many memories. Till we meet again....

[@mikepini]

I am a Penguins fan, but I needed to come here to pay respect to the absolute best man that ever sat behind a mic. Buffalo was so lucky to have him. My favorite call of his was "These guys are good, scary good!" Rick, you are an icon and a legend. One that transcends not only Buffalo hockey, but the NHL in its entirety. Rest in piece, top shelf where mama hides the cookies!

[@johnnyeye464]

Not one view without tears I guarantee it. This is beautifully done. ❤

[@johnhunter9139]

I’m grateful I had RJ to listen to in my lifetime. He kept me engaged even when I was wondering if the team could play any worse. He easily belongs in the Pantheon of all-time great PBP guys to ever grace the mic.

[@realdealprimer]

Thanks RJ, You Lived Well My Friend 🕺

[@MrFlorian]

Buffalo owes this man a Stanley Cup win. I couldn't believe the news when my wife came into my game room & told me. Rest In Peace RJ. Thank you for being a huge part of my childhood.

[@LightMTHW]

RIP to a legend, their will never be another like him

[@Kyuuden]

Even though I was at times bummed I didn't get channels that played my team's games at the time I could still easily have access to watch Sabres games and to hear the excitement and passion Rick brought through the TV. I truly feel he is, at least in my mind, one of the all time greats who cared very deeply about the sport and team he called for.

[@zobius9191]

"Where Momma Hides The Cookies!" was my Childhood. Every time we played street hockey, you know we said it when we hit the top of that net.. Watching it with my father I learned so much, but it wouldn't have been the same without him, Rick. He made Hockey fun, he made it entertaining for 9 year old me, a gamer and "nerd". So sad to lose such a legend, but I think if anything he would want us to continue his legacy. Lets make everyones lives better, entertain them, make them smile. He is Buffalo, WE are Buffalo. Lets Go Buffalo.

[@quag311]

Thank you RJ. Thank you. Sorry we couldn’t win you a Cup. 😪😪

[@duanebennett2961]

I am thankful for every moment he was on tv or radio. I grew up listening to his voice.. Rest easy RJ, you truly deserve to be at peace. 😢

[@masonrounds2491]

Watched this about a dozen times now and have yet to not cry

[@jwm8656]

Rick was by far my favorite local announcer, and I’m a diehard flyers fan. Rest in peace Rick, thank you for some of the most exciting calls I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to. Very few announcers force you into feeling their emotions of a call like he did. Sabres fans, you were all very lucky to have him, I’m sorry for your loss. I’m getting goosebumps and tears replaying “upstairs where momma hides the cookies” in my head

[@zukothegoat]

he’s the type of guy you’ll never forget. an amazing man with an amazing talent and such passion for the team and the city simply cannot be forgotten.

[@SpookyYT29]

RIP, thats so sad, even for me as a blues fan, thats very sad. :(

[@mattyb1030]

He is the reason i got into hockey and became a sabres fan. R.I.P Rick. Wish he would of been able to call a championship series win.

[@adambadger]

His voice will echo in the rafters forever! It it was a pleasure to listen to his legendary calls.

[@Funhouse585]

Haven't cried like I did last night since I lost my grandpa........you were one of a kind.........miss you already

[@JimSajMusic]

I'm just sad that they couldn't win a cup while he was still alive. To hear him calling a Stanley Cup win...would have been sublime. The greatest sports commentator of all time...in any sport. RIP, Rick. You were truly the greatest. You will be missed and remembered forever. Nah, man...I just have something in both my eyes...

[@streetcarjay]

I'm at a loss for words. Crying inside. Rest peacefully RJ.

[@Sjp977]

I’m 20 years old and have been a Sabres fan my entire life. The Sabres have been beloved by my entire family since the very beginning. Some of my earliest and favorite childhood memories are from those 06’ and 07’ playoff runs and that’s mostly because of RJ’s calls. I grew up watching every game right next to my dad and can remember where I was for nearly every call from those years. I’m sure every fan would agree with me when I say this, but as someone who’s grown up listening to his calls their entire life, hearing his voice is always just so comforting and nostalgic too. I was so excited about getting to hear him call game 1 this April. This man was the voice of our beautiful city. For every buffalo kid, RJ was the soundtrack to every mini sticks and street hockey game ever. He gave everything to this franchise. I just wish that we would’ve been able to hear him make THE call

[@1laxttam1]

GOAT… This man molded my love for hockey. RIP

[@mccullochmike]

Nobody has ever sent goosebumps and that amazing emotional connection that the great Rick Jeanneret did when calling a game. I’ve watched the May Day call probably a thousand times….and I live no where near Buffalo, but he made me cheer for the Sabres. From the La La La Lafontaines to the Afinogenov calls, we will miss you. Imagine being one of his family members? They must be so proud! The loss of a legend but his voice and impact will go on forever.

[@pauldelmonte2196]

Thank you RJ for the legendary calls and memories!! You are truly "on the top shelf where mamma hides the cookies now

[@fredericjaggi1260]

Great sports are made of great people. What a passion, what a passion spreaded to so many generations. Ice hockey is gonna miss this warming familiar voice. Rest in Peace MONSIEUR JEANNERET

[@davidquesnel4685]

Oh this hurts, condolences to all his friends and family, he truly made this life better in so many ways. You will be missed.

[@haydenvogel1908]

I love you Rick. Thanks for the memories!

[@jakeheerwagen8007]

You know I’m an Avs fan but I can say I can only imagine what he was to the fan base. And honestly I smile every time I hear his goal calls. He will be missed because hockey lost an icon