The man who was the voice of so many important hockey moments over a revered 50-year career has died.
Bob Cole, whose trademark call – “Oh, baby!” – will live on for years to come, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday night, his daughter Megan Cole told CBC.
He was 90 years old.
Cole’s hockey broadcasting career began on the radio in St. John’s, NL, and he started calling games for CBC Radio in 1969.
In 1973, he moved into television when CBC expanded its hockey coverage and the sport would never be the same.
He spent 50 years calling games on Hockey Night in Canada and also lent his voice to multiple Olympic Games.
That includes the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, which produced one of Cole’s most iconic calls when Canada defeated the United States to win its first gold in decades.
“Now, after 50 years, it’s time for Canada to stand up and cheer. Stand up and cheer everybody. The Olympics Salt Lake City, 2002, men's ice hockey, gold medal: Canada."
Chills. An incredible tribute to one of hockey’s greatest legends. RIP Bob Cole ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YD6pUfSaRY
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) April 25, 2024
Of course, Cole was also the soundtrack to some of the most iconic moments in NHL playoff history.
Hockey fans from all over Canada and beyond have taken to social media this morning to share their favourite Cole calls.
Meanwhile, many people who are the voices of hockey today also took to social media to talk about the impact Cole had on their lives and careers.
“Everyone who ever did play-by-play of a hockey game and anyone who ever does in the future will stand in the shadow of Bob Cole,” wrote TSN’s Gord Miller. “He was a fantastic mentor and a wonderful friend. Condolences to his family.”
Hockey Night in Canada’s current lead voice, Chris Cuthbert called Cole “the soundtrack of the game and the country.”
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.
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