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."

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