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CBC sportscaster Bob Cole called NHL hockey games all through the '80s and beyond. Source: https://puckstruck.com/2024/04/25/bob-cole-1933-2024/ (May be subject to copyright) |
No one could cover a hockey game better than Bob Cole. He had the perfect words for every important moment.
Cole had this calm soothing voice that exploded into hyperbole when the action changed on the ice.
No on could call it like Bob Cole, and no one did.
Sadly, his voice went silent yesterday for the final time.
Bob Cole was 90 years old.
A hockey career
Bob Cole was originally from Newfoundland. Wikipedia reveals he began broadcasting hockey there on CBC radio in 1969, then moved to television in 1973. He would eventually be the primary play-by-play man for the Toronto Maple Leafs, which was where I first encountered him. He would also do the playoffs when CBC expanded their hockey coverage.
Bob Cole was originally from Newfoundland. Wikipedia reveals he began broadcasting hockey there on CBC radio in 1969, then moved to television in 1973. He would eventually be the primary play-by-play man for the Toronto Maple Leafs, which was where I first encountered him. He would also do the playoffs when CBC expanded their hockey coverage.
That career went from 1980 right through to his 50th season ending in 2019.
He called Olympic hockey in 1998 in Nagano, Japan; 2002 in Salt Lake City, Utah; and 2006 in Turino, Italy Cole also called the World Cup of Hockey in 1996 and 2004.
Through much of his career he had Harry Neale beside him doing colour commentary. Before Neale joined him for 1986-1987 season, Cole teamed up with Gary Dornhoefer, Mickey Redmond, and John Davidson. Dick Irvin also jumped into the booth for big games. Cole’s final partners would be Garry Galley and Greg Millen.
Much more than hockey
I am pretty sure it was CBC’s “Life and Times” where I saw a profile of Bob Cole. It explained he was a Newfoundland provincial curling champion, and played in the Brier too. As it turns out, in 1971, he skipped his team to the Newfoundland championship, and on to the Brier where they had a 4-6 record. He was back at the Brier in 1975, where he skipped the Newfoundland champions to a 1-10 record.
I am pretty sure it was CBC’s “Life and Times” where I saw a profile of Bob Cole. It explained he was a Newfoundland provincial curling champion, and played in the Brier too. As it turns out, in 1971, he skipped his team to the Newfoundland championship, and on to the Brier where they had a 4-6 record. He was back at the Brier in 1975, where he skipped the Newfoundland champions to a 1-10 record.
Cole also participated in the Canadian Mixed Championships twice. In 1965, he played second as his Newfoundland team finished with a 4-6 record. Cole skipped the 1973 Newfoundland champions to a 4-6 record as well.
The years after
Cole was there for some memorable broadcasts over the years.
Cole was there for some memorable broadcasts over the years.
For his efforts, he was honoured by the Hockey Hall Of Fame in 1996 as the recipient of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for broadcasting excellence.
In 2016, Bob Cole was appointed a member of the Order of Canada
Parting thoughts
I don’t recall any specific broadcasts by Bob Cole. Instead, I just remember his presence on the airwaves for all those Saturday nights I tuned in to “Hockey Night In Canada”. He was calling the game and telling me stories about the players, coaches, teams, and the history of the game.
I don’t recall any specific broadcasts by Bob Cole. Instead, I just remember his presence on the airwaves for all those Saturday nights I tuned in to “Hockey Night In Canada”. He was calling the game and telling me stories about the players, coaches, teams, and the history of the game.
I have always maintained the way I learned about sports was by watching them on TV. The broadcasters did more than just call the action, over days, months and years, they taught me the game.
There was no better teacher than Bob Cole. He not only described what was happening on the ice, but provided context, history and insight.
Bob Cole made hockey more than a game, he made it an event, something you had to see every week.
He was a story teller, a spokesman, and an ambassador for hockey.
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