Honoring Rick Jeanneret In His Final Season With Buffalo Sabres | Beyond Blue & Gold

Follow legendary Sabres play-by-play announcer Rick Jeanneret around KeyBank Center on the night his banner was unveiled in the rafters on April 1, 2022.
Experience the night and the "Beautiful Noise" of the crowd through Jeanneret's eyes and ears ride the wave of emotions with him, from a pregame conversation with head coach Don Granato to Alex Tuch and the team escorting him out onto the ice for one final salute.
Hear from RJ's wife Sandra - with an exclusive look at their home - and his current broadcast partners Rob Ray, Dan Dunleavy, Martin Biron, and Brian Duff.
This episode of Beyond Blue & Gold is presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York.
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[@gabrielsmith7641]

Flew from Florida to Buffalo for RJ Night and it was the most special hockey game I’m sure I’ll ever attend in my life. We love you RJ!

[@sandrajeanneret7293]

Wow, thank you so much

[@gabrielsmith7641]

@@sandrajeanneret7293 “Cupcake”! What an honor! I’m sure you hear this every day but RJ is so intertwined with some of the best times of my childhood and life as a Sabres fan. Even being a transplant over 15 years ago, I still love watching the Sabres and hearing Rick on the call. It was an honor and a privilege to be there for RJ on his night and I’m equal parts excited and teary-eyed for Friday.

[@sandrajeanneret7293]

@@gabrielsmith7641 thank you so much..he is honoured to be apart of your life :)

[@adampratt1925]

@@sandrajeanneret7293 our family has been season ticket holders since 1970 and the thing I want most in this world is for the Sabres to win the Cup for RJ and my dad. Thank you for sharing him with us all these years, it has been such a gift.

[@sandrajeanneret7293]

@@adampratt1925 thanks Adam, it is too late for RJ but hopefully for your dad..thanks for your support over all these years :)

[@BurchyGaming]

Welp i’m crying all over again…

[@zeamon74]

My dad always said... "you'll never appreciate what you have until it's gone"...He took me to the "MAY DAY!!" game when I was a boy, a Sabres fan ever since. I never anticipated this day. Godspeed RJ...Your one of a kind. Thank you for the memories.

[@joannefloss1011]

For me, you are the Buffalo Sabres, RJ! Thank you for all of the wonderful memories. I'll never forget you and will miss you so very much.

[@TRZN91]

Got me crying at work like a fool lol. We love you always RJ!!!!!!!!!!!!! 💙💛

[@kpwillson]

I can't even begin to express how much RJ means to me. People not from the area probably wouldn't understand fully. In Buffalo sports are everything. They are the center of our social universe. Our extended families gather to watch sports. Our friends reconnect watching sports. The water cooler talk at work revolves around sports. So the trappings and trimmings of the broadcast become much more than just a broadcast. It's the backdrop to childhood memories that will stay with you until the grave. It's the background to nights with your best friends when you can't stop laughing. It's one of the final activities you can share with your elderly grandparents. To say I am grateful is an understatement. Thanks Rick, you touched the lives of entire generations. RJ night was one of the most special sporting events I have ever been to. We will love you for ever!

[@sandrajeanneret7293]

Thank you so much..he will love you forever too!

[@sharkymcshizzle7372]

could not have said it any better...well said Kyle

[@charlesgallagher1376]

RJ is an icon in hockey history, Buffalo, we got lucky, we had the best announcer ever.

[@superwavess]

truly

[@y68on42]

Meh

[@masensmith9737]

Revisiting this today to remember a legend. We'll miss you, RJ.

[@isaiahmerrell2282]

Not even a minute in and I'm already getting chills.

[@PinkDaMonke]

No one will ever replace you in our hearts

[@nersharific813]

Rest in peace RJ. May you continue to play-by-play from heaven!

[@jimb.7523]

RIP to one of the best PBP announcers I've had the pleasure of listening to when I watched Sabres games on the Empire Network. 😭

[@Crazy66]

Thank you RJ 💙💛, The best to ever call the game of Hockey

[@DrewDekes]

From a Montreal Canadiens fan, I’ve never been so moved/teared up so many times watching any video about anything to do with hockey as I have this one. A fellow niagara native, RJ is close to my heart and this video was beyond touching for someone who dreams of working in the hockey world. Blessings to you RJ and the city of Buffalo. “I love you!”

[@katherineleo8012]

Going to miss you

[@SabresGuy87]

I'm still crying, I'll miss him so much and I'm sad my kids never got to fully hear him in person but they will always hear the calls as they will love on forever. We love you RJ!!!!

[@andrewzy]

I'm crying just watching...

[@sandrajeanneret7293]

I am crying too and he is just in the other room :)

[@andrewzy]

No way is this really Sandra J?. C'mon now

[@andrewzy]

@@sandrajeanneret7293 is it really you? AKA Cupcake?

[@sandrajeanneret7293]

@@andrewzy lol..it is really me, don’t know how to prove it, but I can tell you that we are so grateful for your support

[@andrewzy]

Should give Rick the key to the city. I'm so glad to be apart of that night and I can't wait to go to Friday for the game.. making memories there. The Greatest Sabre of all Time...

[@sandrajeanneret7293]

Thank you :) he did get the key to the city of Niagara Falls (Canada)

[@andrewzy]

@@sandrajeanneret7293 one more wouldn't hurt as long as he doesn't lose them lol :)

[@sandrajeanneret7293]

@@andrewzy lol…true that :)

[@quag311]

This team. This voice. This is hockey for me. I love it. 🥹

[@perpetuallegend2034]

The BEST

[@blown22]

RIP to a legend. Gonna go play his "May Day!!" call on repeat now. 😢😢😢

[@WhiskeyPlease-xq3ru]

Rick Jeanneret is the most important person in Sabres history and when I say that I’m including any player or coach. And it’s not even close.

[@spiritualwarfare3908]

RJ The Best That Has Ever Did It 🏒 💯

[@davidslife989]

I don't think there is ONE particular call that I like the best! They are ALL awesome just like him!

[@kcmule]

Legend

[@paulvecchio3949]

Spectacular effort by the Sabres both that evening - I was lucky enough to be there - and in this video. Captured the love that Buffalo and Sabre Nation has for this one of a kind gentleman. There hasn’t been a lot to cheer these past 10 years as a Sabres fan but this ranks up there with some of the greatest moments in franchise history.

[@mentalwarfare3782]

Best Sabre to ever live ❤️

[@corp4life342]

AMEN !!! GREATEST SABRE OF ALL TIME

[@Pittsfire51]

Rick, my son and I flew up from Florida as well without issues. Missed our connection in Philly, rented a car and drove from Philly to Buffalo so we could attend your special night. It will be something that I will never forget. Take care and enjoy your retirement you deserve it.

[@starwarscantinas]

We ❤️ RJ

[@99sentcoins]

I married a Penguins fan 20 years ago. 17 years ago, RJ made her a Sabres fan. I had a blast for 42 years listening to RJ. Thanks Brother ! ❤️

[@buffmf]

RJ!!!!!

[@Dilly_Dilly_Dale]

Sandra is great as well...a good life lived by RJ

[@sandrajeanneret7293]

Awww aren’t you nice for saying that, thank you

[@gergelyenyedi5410]

I can't stop crying. He was te main reason I become a die hard Sabres fan from Europe. Thank you RJ. Thank you very much. You are a legend and we will miss you so much.

[@caseygates5364]

Itll never be the same with out rj hes the best announcer ive ever heard been a sabres fan all my life and listened to his famous calls via youtube and hes going to be missed we love you always RJ thank you for everything you did for this team and community and the fans across the world

[@stifflershack]

I would rather listen to RJ on the radio than watch it on TV The best ever RIP Buddy

[@TheGreatBoomy25]

Thank you for your many years of service to our city Rick. You will be missed by many, and irreplaceable.

[@shawnconnolly8166]

If this didn't give you goosebumps and make your heart beat a little faster I'm not sure you're alive. It's great to see the personal side of a man that we all knew through his voice and the way he made us see the pictures that he was seeing on the ice below. He made the mundane sensational and the sensational pure magic. There will never be another RJ...thank you for the memories.

[@finlander4065]

One word... legendary!

[@lindajennings3482]

I've never known the Sabres without RJ, and I know now the Sabres will never be without RJ, RJ will live on with the Sabres. I love you, RJ!

[@sandrajeanneret7293]

What a nice way to put it..thank you

[@lindajennings3482]

@@sandrajeanneret7293 You're welcome! I was thinking how sad it would be without RJ on the call, but he gave us so much, the Sabres and their fans will never be without him, his sayings and love of the Sabres will continue forever. RJ IS the Sabres, now and forever.

[@Funhouse585]

You will be missed RIP Rick . ....the population of heaven just rose by one ....one of a kind

[@its_jimbooh_no6572]

I cry anytime I watch this. The second I stop is the second I start again. What a treasure he is. I wish I could mean 10% to anyone/anything what this man means to the Sabres.

[@patrickst-amand3132]

The best to ever call a game for many generation ! ♥️

[@garettray4426]

This video is the reason KZbin needs a love button. A like just doesn’t justify the feeling. RJ RJ RJ RJ!!!!!

[@PinkDaMonke]

Go sabres

[@jobuff69]

I moved from Buffalo in 82 to Tampa Bay and missed hearing Rick until I got my first computer. Enjoyed hearing his voice again along with many other. A sports radio host in Tampa ,the late Steve Dumig called Rick on of the best ever to do games. He was loved throughout the hockey world

[@jonathanpielmeier4956]

Simply the best to do ever it! Not sure it can ever be quantified just how much RJ truly means to the people of Buffalo. A true legend of the game, and all around wonderful person. He'll be loved forever...

[@alexjedlicka8567]

Since the day I watched my first Sabres game until now, his voice has been behind it all. He deserve all this and then some. An absolute one of a kind remarkable person, so dedicated to his craft. Thank you RJ. 💛💙

[@aaa7189]

Not taking anything away from Rick Jeanneret...He and Ted Darling would have been a phenomenal pair

[@dlfla968]

I was born in Buffalo in 1969. I have spent my whole life listening to RJ. Watching this has a grown man crying like a baby. RJ is the GREATEST sports announcer of all time of any sport!! I will die a Sabres fan but it will never be the same without him!

[@mendelkleyman7009]

I'm not crying, it's just... Oh what the hell, I'm crying!

[@alexjones91222]

Great job Sabres!! Awesome video. Love this guy! #RJforever

[@garrysaint-vil725]

What a legend this man is 🪦 brother RJ man it almost feel like English class 😆

[@richardkammerer2814]

Born and raised in Buffalo and now in Detroit. You edged us out in the standings because of your secret weapon, RJ. Cheers!

[@delsoul2003]

There has been one constant from the beginning of our franchise. Also one of the longest tenured announcers in sports history. A sports legend, and our treasure, the greatest Sabre of all time. How do we go on without you. RJ ❤

[@vili1]

I watch NHL highlights every morning on youtube and always thought the sabres has the best announcer. This season i noticed that the announcer has changed and i looked it up and found out about R.J. What a legend. I live in Finland and iv'e been a hockey fan all my life, not a Sabres fan particurarly but always enjoyed RJ unique and enthustiastic voice. Big respect to Sabres for recognising his amazing career!

[@jaymez7280]

i went to the game grew up in buffalo but this night helped me know i had to be home, the night was so special for him and me. Heading the crowed and the chants helped me find my path back home

[@jstaversky]

"BARAAAAAAASO!!!!"... the music of my youth!!!

[@frederickmcgraw6220]

i watch ALL SPORTS Rick was the BEST OF ALLTIME God Bless you Rick for blessing us all with your talent

[@DutchJunior310]

I’ll never forget that night the most amazing game I’ve ever been too! THANK YOU RJ!!!!!💙💛

[@rtpgunner2979]

Man I wish I could have been there . Thanks RJ for the best childhood

[@shoelessjoe1905]

Love how Rick is always when the the attention spotlight is on him for any Sabres broadcasting honor he always without fail leads off his appreciation by mentioning Ted Darling... that's class...Ted Darling Rick Jeanneret the soundtrack of my youth ❤️

[@codedecode878]

what an absolute legend! i'm not even a sabres fan and i absolutely loved this guy!

[@markdebark5248]

RJ's final game I was driving back into NY from working down south for the entire winter. Crossed into NY and the game was just starting, will never forget that drive home. How fitting is it that it was an overtime win. Still can't separate RJ's voice from the Sabres, they are intertwined. Other than being from Upstate NY, RJ is the next in line reason why I am a Sabres fan. What a career, God bless RJ and your family!

[@thinkingjack]

I love RJ, watching him call games all the way here in AZ was incredible and he never the broadcasts came up. Now watching this and it’s amazing. His wife seems like such an incredible lady too

[@redwarden4965]

I was there and I can say it was the best Sabres game I’ve ever been to

[@patrickdemske4048]

Absolute chills! Thank You RJ for all the amazing memories. Buffalo Sabres hockey will never be the same...RJ we will miss you but never forget you!

[@SonofTuscon99]

Rick passed away late last night. From Washington to Buffalo, RIP, good sir.

[@jarretratajczak4066]

I’ll come back to this video years form now to cry all over again, thank you RJ!

[@sandrajeanneret7293]

Me too..there are parts that get missed when my eyes can’t focus 😉

[@C-G585]

The voice of hockey, absolute legend!

[@johnstanton7118]

I can tell you, Friday I’ll probably be crying in my seat

[@adampratt1925]

I've carved out the evening to sit by myself with all of my emotions in my basement and watch the game with RJ on the call. I'm gonna be an absolute wreck.

[@theBoonarmies]

RJ deserves all this and more.

[@markminter6312]

I salute you, Mr. Jeanneret. I'm an Islanders fan, and one of my favorite calls was yours when Chris Drury scored the game tying goal in Game 5 against the (hated) Rangers in 2007. You were one of the best. Ever. Farewell, RJ.

[@nancyverano6249]

I’m so thankful that I’ve lived long enough to have heard so many of the games Rick has called. There will never be another one like him.

[@sandrajeanneret7293]

Bless you

[@donaldsamiec4166]

The best announcer in the world hands down we will remember you forever the greatest of luck RJ

[@sledhead_9855]

Was a amazing night I'll never forget

[@KHoltzie]

I don’t know if I have a favorite RJ call as they’re all wonderful spoken gold but-Drury’s GTG in Game 5 vs. NYR sticks with me the most, I mean you can almost feel the energy in his joyful cries of ‘BUFFALO SCOOORED…’ like he was a little kid that couldn’t believe what his eyes just saw…probably *my favorite Sabre game to this day!* 💙🎙💛

[@jasonw7521]

They're aren't many sports broadcasters that can, quite literally, invoke an entire childhood of memories about growing up in Buffalo. That's what RJ can do. That voice, those calls. There's no doubt in my mind that RJ could've gone national and made the NHL a boatload of money. I think us Buffalonians got lucky. There never was nor will there ever be another RJ, another hockey announcer national, local, international of that caliber. Thank you RJ for the games, the memories, and making us proud to be a sabres fan and most importantly a Buffalonian.

[@chrisstrong684]

Wow Sabres, you management, you showed up for this one ! This is Amazing !!!!!

[@pulverapa1580]

Watching this from Sweden. I remember watching Buffalo highlights with RJ in the beginning of KZbin.

[@jthemachine7635]

Rest In Peace RJ

[@flipstud32]

Rest In Peace. Heaven gained an angel to roll the highlight film 🙂

[@thedominatior39]

This was well done everything from that night was just so perfect everyone growing up in WNY playing hockey always had his voice in the back of our heads Razor said it best RJ is the Buffalo Sabres

[@mortaljorma69]

Rest in peace RJ ❤

[@josephheffle601]

Gonna miss you Rick grew up listening to him. Enjoy your retirement icon.

[@AlexKy39]

RJ is one of the greatest hockey commentators ever - From a Canucks fan

[@rescuecaptainbob8564]

I was never a Sabres Fan but I was a fan of this man his voice his calls RJ helped put the NHL in the spotlight and main stream of sports! He has a one of a kind voice his calls amazing, his voice will be missed and leave a huge hole in the Sabres and NHL fans hearts!!

[@bobpiljayrealtor9591]

Crying like a baby. Thanks for all of the memories, RJ!

[@williamfurdyn5334]

Way to win a cup for him and ripper boys!!! Go Sabres!!!

[@sashabenner1058]

Man it was great seeing Timmy Connolly he was one of the most underrated buffalo sabers and talented. Danny briere said he was the most gifted player he ever played with. What a shame about his concussions Let's go Buffalo!!!!!!

[@stephencalvird7276]

Wings fan here, RJ is a legend. Classy move Sabres, really loved this tribute!

[@tajfitzgibbons4135]

RJ WILL BE THE GREATEST PLAY BY PLAY EVER TOO DO IT 4EVER LET'S GO BUFFALO WE LOVE U RJ 4EVER LET'S WIN HIM A CUP!!!

[@marcwhiskey]

This was just incredible. Everything about that night was just right. The Sabres did a great job honoring RJ and the fans sure showed up too. Hope this energy and positivity carries over to next year.

[@superwavess]

Rick is a legend. But his wife seems pretty amazing too.

[@stevew.7346]

this needs to be longer.

[@johnfinger885]

It’s special when you, your grandma, and your parents can all reminisce on one person and your favorite moments about them

[@Goosey716]

We Love You RJ!!!!!

[@KHoltzie]

*’I realize that this building is full, and there’s a whole lot of them that are here because of what I’m doing and what I’m going to say and what people are gonna say about me…* He pretty much summed up the only reason I chose to attend that game, the night, his night…for him! 💙🎙💛

[@ThatBuffaloFan]

He deserves everything. In my eyes, the greatest play by play voice hockey has/will ever see. Thank you RJ.

[@boone315]

nobody better, he is the only announcer i ever knew. just wish he could have called a cup winner

[@boone315]

and a well done video. Great job Sabres

[@Mattyod5]

Beautifully done, grew up listening to some iconic calls that I’ll never forget thank you RJ!🐐

[@GianlucaFulciniti]

We are gonna be great next year and RJ will definitely be back to call one of our playoff games next year!!!