Ode to Mike Emrick, the Voice of the NHL

Although it's over a week old, I just read a wonderful article about Mike "Doc" Emrick, who is widely considered the Voice of the NHL.  Growing up in North Jersey, I listened to Mike Emrick on a regular basis, since he has been the play-by-play voice of the New Jersey Devils for as long as I can remember.  Much like John Sterling with a Yankees baseball game, I simply associate Emrick with the sound of a hockey game.

But unlike Sterling, my admiration for Emrick isn't based in mere nostalgia or a sense of entertainment.  It's because Mike Emrick is damn good at what he does.  I think Sam Flood, the executive producer of NBC Sports and VERSUS, put it best:

"No one calls a hockey game better, no one paints a better picture, and no one is better at building up a moment.  He is the voice of hockey in this country, and as talented a play-by-play guy as there is in any sport."

If you don't believe me about Emrick's talent, just look at the man's resume.  Now 64 years old, he started broadcasting hockey in the early 1970's, which means he's now in his fifth decade of broadcasting.  He has worked for over 10 networks, broadcasted three Olympics, and is currently calling his 13th Stanley Cup finals.  He also won several Emmy awards, including the 2011 award for "Outstanding Sports Personality - Play by Play."  He is even the founding member and current president of the NHL Pronunciation Guide, which all NHL broadcasters use to properly pronounce the most difficult names in the league.

As you can see by watching the embedded video clip, Doc is a tireless worker who prepares just as hard for an early-season November game as he will prepare for the upcoming Game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals.  He has an unteachable sense of the moment and an uncanny ability to put the viewer on the edge of his seat.  Just look what he inspired me to tweet during an otherwise meaningless regular season game in April!

The point of this post isn't to tell you what you (should) already know: that Doc Emrick is the best play-by-play man in hockey.  My goal is for you, the reader, to appreciate his talent right now.  He won't always be there, and someday you'll really miss his high-pitched screams when something exciting happens.  And for all you hockey fans outside the New Jersey area, enjoy his Stanley Cup performances because you don't get to hear him enough during the regular season.

Bottom line, the Bruins and the Canucks have put on a great show so far.  Honestly, a great show, and the ratings reflect that.  But as you're taking it all in, take a moment to savor the show Mike Emrick puts on in the broadcast booth.  You'll be glad you did.