Legendary American hockey announcer Mike “Doc” Emerick announced his retirement on Monday morning. His retirement marks the end of an era in American hockey.
After 3,750+ Professional and Olympic hockey games, 100 different verbs used to describe a pass or shot, and 22 Stanley Cup Finals, the legendary Mike “Doc” Emrick has announced his retirement from broadcasting.
— #ThankYouDoc (@NHLonNBCSports) October 19, 2020
From hockey fans around the world, we say #ThankYouDoc! pic.twitter.com/Pt27Dp63TW
“I hope I can handle retirement OK, especially since I’ve never done it before. But I’ve just been extremely lucky for 50 years. And NBC has been so good to me, especially since the pandemic, when I was allowed to work from home in a studio NBC created. Now, into my golden years, this just seemed to be the time that was right.”
Mike “Doc” Emrick
Let’s take a look at Doc’s illustrious career.
Minor League Days
Emerick’s initial foray into play-by-play was in 1973 with the Fort Huron Flags of the International Hockey League. He would take on the role of live game description and public relations. In 1977, Emerick relocated to Portland, Maine to take on the same roles with the American Hockey League’s Maine Mariners for three seasons. He called the Mariners’ back-to-back Calder Cup championships in 1978 and 1979.
Early NHL Days
In 1982, the Colorado Rockies were sold to Dr. John McMullen and relocated to East Rutherford, New Jersey. Emerick became the Devils’ first play-by-play voice in those initial, miserable years in East Rutherford. He juggled duties with the Philadelphia Flyers, acting as home broadcast play-by-play announcer. In 1989, Emerick served as a full-time play-by-play announcer alongside Bill Clement from 1989-1993. He returned to the Devils in 1993 and called their games through 2011. Emerick worked alongside Peter McNabb from 1993-1995 and then Glenn “Chico” Resch from 1995-2011.
“The Voice of American Hockey”
Emerick became the lead play-by-play commentator for ESPN’s coverage of the NHL in 1986, splitting time with his duties with the Flyers. He served as lead voice for CBS’ hockey coverage of the 1992 Albertville Olympics during the United States’ run to the medal round. Emerick was the lead play-by-play national commentator for Fox Sports’ coverage of the NHL from 1995-1999. Emerick has served the national lead commentator for NBC Sports throughout the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2005. He was also the lead play-by-play commentator for the 1996 and 2004 World Cup of Hockey as well as the 2006, 2010, and 2014 Winter Olympics.
Shoutouts and Congrats
The hockey world has been sending their regards to the retired Emerick. Anyone from teams to fellow play-by-play commentators to current and former NHL stars sent their respects on social media throughout the day.
John Buccigross
I believe some are touched by God with an inner kindly light of what is possible from humanity. That light sends a soft glow on us to soften, be thoughtful, measured. But, also PASSIONATE. The key is balance. Hockey’s neighbor, Mike Emrick was our Fred Rogers. A Knight of light. https://t.co/oyErf8oB8X
— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) October 19, 2020
Adam Henrique
A moment I’ll never forget…#ThankYouDoc & Congratulations on an amazing career! Cheers pic.twitter.com/EbIZIiDZUH
— Adam Henrique (@AdamHenrique) October 19, 2020
New Jersey Devils
Simply, incredible. Enjoy your retirement, Doc.#ThankYouDoc | @NHLonNBCSports pic.twitter.com/jBwTnJv9bq
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) October 19, 2020
Martin Brodeur
To the Voice of Hockey, HOF broadcaster, and friend, congratulations on an amazing career! Enjoy your retirement! #ThankYouDoc pic.twitter.com/dfnTavFvjK
— Martin Brodeur (@MartinBrodeur) October 19, 2020
Personal Reflection
I’ve always admired “Doc” Emerick, both as a play-by-play announcer and as a stand-up human being. I’ve bragged that when I grow up, I wanna be like him because someday, I’d love to be a play-by-play announcer. The closest that I ever got to meet him was in 2010 in Montreal at the Hockey Ministries All-Star Breakfast. I was serving as a chaplain for the Albany River Rats at the time and was hoping to introduce myself. Doc is a friend of the ministry and knows the impact around the hockey world. I never got to meet him, but knowing that I had an ally in that ministry was enough. Emerick also had an affinity for making the mundane seem fascinating, as demonstrated in my late March column where I highlighted an attendant replacing his windshield wipers.
So, if you’re reading this, Doc, thank you. Enjoy your retirement. And if you’re ever available, you’re always welcome on my podcast.
What are your memories of Doc Emerick? Leave a comment below or hit me up on Twitter: @WhoIsRyanMcC. And don’t forget to check out my podcast No Credentials Required (new episodes every Wednesday) and my live stream show A-Round for the Weekend (most Fridays at 6:30pm).
