Rick Jeanneret

About

Retired Canadian TV and radio personality famous for being the play-by-play announcer for the National Hockey League's Buffalo Sabres and its broadcast network for 51 years. He is the longest tenured play-by-play announcer in the history of the NHL. He is known for his energetic delivery, wacky player nicknames, intense goal calls and his trademark suspenders. 

Before Fame

He is a Canadian citizen of Swiss descent. He was born in St. Catherines, Ontario and raised in Terrace Bay. He graduated from the Midwest Broadcasting School, based in Chicago. By 1965 he was the full-time play-by-play announcer for the Niagara Falls Flyers. He did several radio advertisements for a local hardware store.

Trivia

His nickname is "RJ" to the Sabres organization and close friends. He started with the team during their second season in 1971-72 and did not retire until the 2021-22 season. In his later years he took time off due to his deteriorating health, having been diagnosed with cancer and having a pacemaker installed. He chose not to retire during the 2020-21 season because he was unwilling to retire during a year with no fans in attendance at the games. 

Family Life

He and his wife Sanda live in Niagara Falls, Ontario. They have two sons, Mark and Chris, and a step-daughter Shelly. His son Mark is also a play-by-play announcer and served as a substitute for Rick with the Buffalo Sabres in December of 2010. 

Associated With

Because of his suspenders he is often compared to late comedian Rodney Dangerfield.