Bowling Green State University Athletics
BGSU Alumnus Doc Emrick Announces Retirement From Broadcasting
October 19, 2020 | Ice Hockey
Beginning with college and minor league games, Emrick worked his way into the NHL, being named the first voice of the New Jersey Devils prior to the start of the 1982-83 season, staying there until 1986 when he moved to the Philadelphia Flyers as an in-studio analyst. In the same year, he began as the play-by-play announcer for "The NHL on ESPN" serving in that role until 1988.
Remaining with the Flyers until the conclusion of the 1992-93 season, Emrick transitioned back to New Jersey, being the voice of the Devils from 1993 until 2011. He also branched into national television, calling his first nationally televised game during the 1992 Winter Olympics for CBS. Then, from 1995-1999, Emrick was the lead play-by-play announcer for the "NHL on FOX" game of the week, calling both regular season games as well as the Stanley Cup Finals. When the NHL moved to ABC, Emrick moved to calling regional games, doing so from 2000-2004.
Since then, beginning in 2005, Emrick has served as the lead play-by-play announcer for the "NHL on NBC," originally the "NHL on Versus." His accolades create a long list that include 14 NHL All-Star games, five Olympic games as well as being the play-by-play announcer in EA Sports' NHL video games, beginning with NHL 15 and lasting until NHL 19.
Emrick returned to his alma mater for the 50th anniversary of the Slater Family Ice Arena on Feb. 11, 2017. Emrick was on the call for some of the game, calling two goals by the Falcons in the second period. The goal calls can be found here in the recap from the game.
Emrick has helped pave the way for others from BGSU as well, including the first Black broadcaster in the NHL, Everett Fitzhugh. Fitzhugh was named the first voice of the Seattle Kraken earlier this year.
Absolutely the best broadcaster and the best human there ever will be. I still pinch myself that I had the opportunity to call a game with Doc and see firsthand how unbelievably talented and gracious he is. #ThankYouDoc https://t.co/psRIrcC8ws
— Evan Pivnick (@EvanPivnickADK) October 19, 2020
Look at his notes in this photo...this was for a college hockey game that he VOLUNTEERED to do! pic.twitter.com/Y9gm8aUJn9
— Evan Pivnick (@EvanPivnickADK) October 19, 2020
Feb. 9, 2017, Mike 'Doc' Emrick returned to his alma mater @bgsu. He talked to students who were interested in sport broadcasting. This was the note he left me ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/GN8lccJBpE
— Ryan Vallon (@rvallonBG) October 19, 2020
The inspiration for so many broadcasters has hung up the headset. It was truly an honor to have listened to & learned from him as both a fan & aspiring broadcaster, & I wish my fellow @BGFalconHockey alum all the best in retirement. Congrats on a phenomenal career, Dr. Emrick! https://t.co/t5LV7pYrcB
— Everett Fitzhugh (@TheVoiceFitz) October 19, 2020
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