It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bob Cole, the iconic voice of Canadian hockey, who died at the age of 90. Known for his enthusiastic “Oh baby!” catchphrase, Bob Cole’s illustrious career as a broadcaster left an indelible mark on the world of sports, particularly within the realm of hockey.
Bob Cole’s voice was a staple for Canadian hockey fans, spanning nearly half a century, most notably as part of CBC’s “Hockey Night in Canada.” His vibrant play-by-play commentary brought to life some of the most memorable moments in hockey history, including the 1972 Summit Series, the 2002 Olympic final in Salt Lake City, and numerous Stanley Cup finals.
Beyond the ice rink, Bob Cole’s versatile broadcasting career saw him calling Bob Beamon’s world-record long jump at the 1968 Olympics, competing in curling’s Brier, serving as quiz master on “Reach for the Top,” and working for the Newfoundland government.
His final call came on April 6, 2019, during the regular-season finale in Montreal between the Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs, marking the end of a remarkable broadcasting career that spanned decades.
Bob Cole’s passing is a significant loss to the sports community and to all who knew him. His legacy will continue to resonate through the many broadcasts he enriched with his unique voice and infectious enthusiasm for the game.