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Post by socca10 on Apr 16, 2024 21:09:56 GMT
www.nhl.com/bruins/news/topic/press-release/jack-edwards-voice-of-the-boston-bruins-announces-retirement-at-conclusion-of-2023-24-seasonJack Edwards, Voice of the Boston Bruins, Announces Retirement at Conclusion of 2023-24 Season BOSTON – After 19 years as the Boston Bruins Play-by-Play broadcaster on New England Sports Network (NESN), Jack Edwards has announced his retirement following the 2023-24 postseason games on NESN. As a New England native and University of New Hampshire graduate, Jack retires from a 45-year career through sports journalism and play-by-play, culminating with what he described as his “dream job” with NESN and the Boston Bruins. “I grew up a Bruins fan, and who had more fun than us over the last two decades?” said Jack Edwards. “In collaboration with Bruins and NESN leadership, I recently decided that the time has come for me to finish my shift as the voice of the Boston Bruins. I am no longer able to attain the standards I set for myself, to honor the fans, the players, the Bruins organization and NESN with the best they all deserve.” “I retire from broadcasting not with a heavy heart, but gratefulness for a 19-year-long joyride,” Jack continued. “I owe my career, my own pursuit of happiness, to the love and support of my family. I thank every member of the Bruins and NESN for your loyalty, helping me to achieve and live out a lifetime goal, high above the ice.” Jack began his play-by-play career with NESN in 2005. After holding several reporter and anchor positions in New Hampshire and Providence, Jack came to Boston in the 1980s as a sports anchor and reporter at both WCVB and WHDH. He also worked as a reporter for ABC’s Wide World of Sports and Olympic coverage on both ABC and CBS. He joined ESPN in 1991 as an anchor and reporter for SportsCenter and won an Emmy award for his ESPN reporting. He has also done play-by-play for ESPN’s coverage of hockey and soccer, including the 2002 World Cup finals, and the Little League World Series. Jack’s Bruins passion and knowledge has educated decades of fans. With unique phrases such as “tumbling muffin” and “high above the ice”, his iconic style has set him apart in the league and all of sports broadcasting. “I join the Bruins organization, NESN and hockey fans everywhere in congratulating Jack on an incredible career,” said Charlie Jacobs, CEO and Alternate Governor of the Boston Bruins. “Jack’s voice has been the soundtrack for generations of Bruins fans that have experienced so many incredible moments. His presence has been felt around the globe and he will forever be a part of the Bruins legacy.” Jack will continue calling games for the reminder of the 2023-24 season through NHL playoffs. The Boston Bruins and NESN will conduct a nationwide search for the next play-by-play voice to join Color Commentator Andy Brickley for the 2024-25 season. “Congratulations to Jack on a remarkable career of calling Boston Bruins hockey on NESN,” said Sean McGrail, President and CEO of NESN. “Jack brought a distinctive and colorful personality to our broadcast that was unmistakably his own. I’d like to join everyone at NESN in thanking Jack for his contributions over the past 19 years.” In addition to honoring his career tonight during the pregame ceremony, the Boston Bruins and NESN plan to further celebrate Jack Edwards and his impact during the 2024-25 regular season. More information will be shared at a later date.
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Post by 50belowzero on Apr 16, 2024 21:27:35 GMT
All the best to Jack, man i loved the guy, his call of the games, his passion and his love of the B's, wow! It's sad in a way he had to retire due to whatever it is that's affecting his speech but it's for the best and he knows it. I hope his condition doesn't get worse and he's able to live a happy and fulfilling retirement. Congrats Jack and Go B's!!!
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Post by mdsizzle on Apr 16, 2024 21:34:17 GMT
I always liked Jack.. Anyone can call him whatever, but nobody called the guy boring.
Whomever is up next will certainly seem like an extra vanilla, extra medium type a guy.
Congrats on a great run Jack... You're going out on top as far as I'm concerned!
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fp8774
Regular Member
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Post by fp8774 on Apr 16, 2024 21:45:32 GMT
I always liked Jack.. Anyone can call him whatever, but nobody called the guy boring. Whomever is up next will certainly seem like an extra vanilla, extra medium type a guy. Congrats on a great run Jack... You're going out on top as far as I'm concerned! Jack always brought it even though I didn’t ways understand what he was bringing. I always enjoyed him high above the glass. Bruin homer to the core just the way it should be. All the best Jack! |
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Post by The OC on Apr 16, 2024 21:54:06 GMT
I always liked Jack.. Anyone can call him whatever, but nobody called the guy boring. Whomever is up next will certainly seem like an extra vanilla, extra medium type a guy. Congrats on a great run Jack... You're going out on top as far as I'm concerned! It really is going to be hard to follow him. When you're the most hated commentator outside of Boston, you're doing something right. He's a legend, and I'm going to miss him. |
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Post by MrHulot on Apr 16, 2024 22:11:39 GMT
I always liked Jack.. Anyone can call him whatever, but nobody called the guy boring. Whomever is up next will certainly seem like an extra vanilla, extra medium type a guy. Congrats on a great run Jack... You're going out on top as far as I'm concerned! It really is going to be hard to follow him. When you're the most hated commentator outside of Boston, you're doing something right. He's a legend, and I'm going to miss him.
And I cannot say it any better than mdsizzle:
Congrats on a great run Jack... You're going out on top as far as I'm concerned!
I have posted this one before, but it still is one of my favorites:
Another favorite:Enjoy retirement, Jack! I'm sure you have earned it, and thanks for making watching Bruins games on NESN incredibly enjoyable. |
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Post by MrHulot on Apr 16, 2024 22:14:51 GMT
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Post by badhabitude on Apr 16, 2024 22:28:22 GMT
Not a fan, but having said that I appreciated the effort.
He should have retired earlier. This last season was painful.
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Post by bookboy007 on Apr 16, 2024 22:50:58 GMT
I come not to praise Caesar, but to bury him.
Happy Trails, indeed. He understood what being the Bruins home play by play guy meant and delivered.
Congrats on a long and legendary career.
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Post by sandogbrewin on Apr 16, 2024 22:52:36 GMT
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Post by schlich on Apr 16, 2024 23:34:14 GMT
He was fun. Now he’s unbearable. Thanks for retiring. Hope he has a long,healthy,happy retirement
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Post by socca10 on Apr 16, 2024 23:46:25 GMT
He was fun. Now he’s unbearable. Thanks for retiring. Hope he has a long,healthy,happy retirement Hold on a sec... has anyone seen NAS and Jack Edwards in the same place at one time??  |
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Post by zamboni24 on Apr 16, 2024 23:55:35 GMT
What a run. Some of the best scenes is the look on bricks face when Jack goes ballistic in the booth. Even when going overboard — I’m thankful for ESPN Plus for those nights when Center Ice only provided the away feed. All the best. |
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Post by RichHillOntario on Apr 17, 2024 0:11:50 GMT
When I heard this, I immediately thought of HNIC's Bob Cole. Probably because of the chatter surrounding his own on-air struggles but of a different variety. He was their main play by play guy for years - mainly Loaf games. In his later years, it became noticeable he was having a hard time keeping up with the pace of the play and misidentifying players. It was a big deal but not entirely unexpected that he didn't call any games for the 2018 playoffs. 2019 was his last year at the mic. Cole was a lot older at 82 than Edward's 67 years. Props to Jack for knowing the moment to call it a day.
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Post by The OC on Apr 17, 2024 0:20:59 GMT
When I heard this, I immediately thought of HNIC's Bob Cole. Probably because of the chatter surrounding his own on-air struggles but of a different variety. He was their main play by play guy for years - mainly Loaf games. In his later years, it became noticeable he was having a hard time keeping up with the pace of the play and misidentifying players. It was a big deal but not entirely unexpected that he didn't call any games for the 2018 playoffs. 2019 was his last year at the mic. Cole was a lot older at 82 than Edward's 67 years. Props to Jack for knowing the moment to call it a day. "Tough guy David Krejci" haha. |
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Post by 50belowzero on Apr 17, 2024 0:45:09 GMT
When I heard this, I immediately thought of HNIC's Bob Cole. Probably because of the chatter surrounding his own on-air struggles but of a different variety. He was their main play by play guy for years - mainly Loaf games. In his later years, it became noticeable he was having a hard time keeping up with the pace of the play and misidentifying players. It was a big deal but not entirely unexpected that he didn't call any games for the 2018 playoffs. 2019 was his last year at the mic. Cole was a lot older at 82 than Edward's 67 years. Props to Jack for knowing the moment to call it a day. "Tough guy David Krejci" haha. Maybe Cole thought David Koci played for the B's. |
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Post by dannycater on Apr 17, 2024 12:32:48 GMT
“It’s time for me to get off the ice,” a smiling, relaxed Edwards told a longtime media friend about an hour prior to puck drop against the Senators. “I’ve tried, but I can’t get the words out when I need them . . . so, time to go before I become the pylon out there.”
I incredibly respect what Jack said. Regardless of his bombastic, over the top, homer B's style (which I think fans loved that)--he became a play by play caller's version of Willie Mays in the 1972 World Series this season (no I'm not saying Jack is a Hall of Famer)--it's an analogy of going past your prime. In this case, he couldn't get the words out. Even his announcement of Trent Fredric as 7th Man was sad to listen to--the words really don't come out of mouth well anymore. It's sad.
This was as painful a season to watch B's hockey in terms of me as a TV fan. It was because Jack couldn't do his job and NESN prolonged this agony way too long. I'm not blaming Jack as much as I blame NESN, which had an opportunity to talk to him and say "look, you have to shut it down." They could have had Faust or someone else do the last half of the season and then had a night for Jack sometime in the past month, showing all of his career highlights as an announcer.
Anyway, mucho respect that he said he what he said and that Dupont printed the quote.
Adios Jack Edwards, honestly he had some good years and he was terrific with fights and some of his early wacky descriptive terms. Go B's! Win the Cup for Jack!
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Post by Lord Markwart on Apr 17, 2024 13:54:29 GMT
I thought Jack was pretty genuine and honest last night. For a guy who often made it about himself during the broadcasts by going over the top, his farewell speeches about Brick and the Bruins organization were truly humbling, classy, and selfless. Happy trails, indeed.
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Post by Fletcher on Apr 17, 2024 16:41:40 GMT
“It’s time for me to get off the ice,” a smiling, relaxed Edwards told a longtime media friend about an hour prior to puck drop against the Senators. “I’ve tried, but I can’t get the words out when I need them . . . so, time to go before I become the pylon out there.” I incredibly respect what Jack said. Regardless of his bombastic, over the top, homer B's style (which I think fans loved that)--he became a play by play caller's version of Willie Mays in the 1972 World Series this season (no I'm not saying Jack is a Hall of Famer)--it's an analogy of going past your prime. In this case, he couldn't get the words out. Even his announcement of Trent Fredric as 7th Man was sad to listen to--the words really don't come out of mouth well anymore. It's sad. This was as painful a season to watch B's hockey in terms of me as a TV fan. It was because Jack couldn't do his job and NESN prolonged this agony way too long. I'm not blaming Jack as much as I blame NESN, which had an opportunity to talk to him and say "look, you have to shut it down." They could have had Faust or someone else do the last half of the season and then had a night for Jack sometime in the past month, showing all of his career highlights as an announcer. Anyway, mucho respect that he said he what he said and that Dupont printed the quote. Adios Jack Edwards, honestly he had some good years and he was terrific with fights and some of his early wacky descriptive terms. Go B's! Win the Cup for Jack! I appreciate his self-awareness at the end, as many others in his scenario have pushed on...Dick Clark style. This was merciful, but he was pretty good at his craft before the past couple of years. 19 years is a good run, and he'll be associated with a lot of great moments. Ironic that he always referenced "Old Man" so much. I wish him peace, rest and his hearts content of tumbling muffins. |
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Post by zamboni24 on Apr 17, 2024 17:56:29 GMT
“It’s time for me to get off the ice,” a smiling, relaxed Edwards told a longtime media friend about an hour prior to puck drop against the Senators. “I’ve tried, but I can’t get the words out when I need them . . . so, time to go before I become the pylon out there.” I incredibly respect what Jack said. Regardless of his bombastic, over the top, homer B's style (which I think fans loved that)--he became a play by play caller's version of Willie Mays in the 1972 World Series this season (no I'm not saying Jack is a Hall of Famer)--it's an analogy of going past your prime. In this case, he couldn't get the words out. Even his announcement of Trent Fredric as 7th Man was sad to listen to--the words really don't come out of mouth well anymore. It's sad. This was as painful a season to watch B's hockey in terms of me as a TV fan. It was because Jack couldn't do his job and NESN prolonged this agony way too long. I'm not blaming Jack as much as I blame NESN, which had an opportunity to talk to him and say "look, you have to shut it down." They could have had Faust or someone else do the last half of the season and then had a night for Jack sometime in the past month, showing all of his career highlights as an announcer. Anyway, mucho respect that he said he what he said and that Dupont printed the quote. Adios Jack Edwards, honestly he had some good years and he was terrific with fights and some of his early wacky descriptive terms. Go B's! Win the Cup for Jack! I appreciate his self-awareness at the end, as many others in his scenario have pushed on...Dick Clark style. This was merciful, but he was pretty good at his craft before the past couple of years. 19 years is a good run, and he'll be associated with a lot of great moments. Ironic that he always referenced "Old Man" so much. I wish him peace, rest and his hearts content of tumbling muffins. We could all see/hear those words coming out -- all the respect in the world for what these P by P guys do. Maybe it's just a knack -- but to coordinate players and their numbers "high above the ice" for all the NHL teams is truly remarkable especially with the speed of this game. Try turning down the sound and do a mock P by P just for your own team. I know I'm a lot older than Jack but even before my brain was toast -- I couldn't come close to keeping up. All the best jack -- stay safe and healthy. |
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Post by badhabitude on Apr 18, 2024 2:25:32 GMT
Not a fan of Jack at all.
Damn, do I hate to admit that I'm going to miss that nut and get nostalgic just thinking about it.
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fp8774
Regular Member
Posts: 66
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Post by fp8774 on Apr 18, 2024 22:33:43 GMT
Not a fan of Jack at all. Damn, do I hate to admit that I'm going to miss that nut and get nostalgic just thinking about it. That guy who subbed in for Jack a few times is really boring. Hopefully, they have someone else in mind or tell him to amp it up a bit. |
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Post by stevegm on Apr 18, 2024 23:16:44 GMT
I really liked Jack. His enthusiasm was sincere. His foibles added spice.
I don't watch the Bruins to listen to him, but I've enjoyed him more than most over the last 20 years.
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Post by badhabitude on Apr 18, 2024 23:46:56 GMT
Not a fan of Jack at all. Damn, do I hate to admit that I'm going to miss that nut and get nostalgic just thinking about it. That guy who subbed in for Jack a few times is really boring. Hopefully, they have someone else in mind or tell him to amp it up a bit. Whatever happens I don't want a Jack clone or anybody else clone. I want someone who does his own thing. |
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Post by dannycater on Apr 19, 2024 2:04:21 GMT
I'd throw a ton of money at Vegas Goucher because NESN fucked up when they let him go from radio and not had him replace Jack a few years ago..Jack still had his voice, but he was terrible and has been terrible NOT CONNECTED TO THIS YEAR'S SPEECH ISSUES and B's had a chance to reward Goucher, a really good PBP voice.
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