Buffalo Sabres play by play man diagnosed with cancer
By Cory Buck
Buffalo Sabres play-by-play announcer and Hall of Famer Rick Jeanneret will undergo treatment for a golf-ball sized cancerous growth in his neck. He admitted as much in a telephone interview with the Buffalo News. The tumor was discovered three weeks ago by an ear, nose, and throat specialist, who told Jeanneret he has “stage III cancer and that he has an 85 percent chance of recovery.”
The broadcaster, known for his energetic style for the last 43 years in Buffalo, still plans to return to call most if not all of the 47 games he’s contracted to call this year. “I would like to stress I have every intention of coming back,” said Jeanneret. “I have probably three months ahead of me that aren’t going to be fun. I know they aren’t going to be.”
“I know there is going to be a lot of concern. All I can do is ask everybody to please allow me and my family to keep this as private as possible. We will provide updates through the team.”
Concerned fans can email support to GetWellRJ@sabres.com.
Jeanneret made his name as a legend in broadcasting thanks to calls like the one below, among countless others.
Jeanneret is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall and the Sabres Hall of Fame, per the article as well.
The broadcaster still plans to work out his contract, which calls for 47 games this season and 41 next season. He seemed excited when discussing the future of the Buffalo Sabres. “I have a feeling this team is on the cusp of busting out. It is not going to happen immediately, that’s for sure, but they are going down the right path now and everybody is going to be rewarded as a result of that in the very near future.”
First things first, Rick. You go get better. Then we’ll see you at the game.