Remembering Rick Jeanneret 1 year after his passing

Remembering Rick Jeanneret 1 year after his passing

Looking back on some of our favorite RJ moments from his legendary broadcasting career.

Legendary Buffalo Sabres play-by-play announcer Rick Jeanneret left a lasting legacy after passing away at the age of 81 on August 17, 2023.

One year later, Sabres.com is looking back on some of our favorite RJ moments and calls.

See below for photos and videos from over the years as we remember and honor the life and legacy of the Hall of Famer.

Remembering RJ

This past March, Marty Biron made a toast to RJ at Ryan Miller’s “Catwalk for Charity” event at Forbes Theater. Listen to the toast below.

Remembering RJ at Catwalk for Charity

Check out our favorite photos from Jeanneret’s storied career in our “Remembering Rick Jeanneret” gallery below.

PHOTOS | Remembering RJ

Remembering the legendary Rick Jeanneret on the one-year anniversary of his passing.

  • Open Gallery

Danny Gare narrated a video tribute dedicated to the late play-by-play announcer in the days following his passing. Watch the full tribute video below.

Remembering RJ (1942-2023)

The organization then honored Jeanneret on August 27, 2023 with “Remembering RJ: The Man Behind The Mic,” featuring roundtable discussions with broadcasters and alumni. Look back on the full event below.

After the unveiling of “RJ Way” in Alumni Plaza on October 12, 2023, Jeanneret’s family dropped the puck during a ceremonial faceoff to kick off the 2023-24 season. Relive the opening faceoff below.

Honoring RJ

RJ’s Final Season

During Jeanneret’s final season in 2022-23, we compiled some of the best off-beat moments of his broadcasting career into a gag reel. Get ready to laugh with the “Best of Rick Jeanneret” video below.

Rick Jeanneret gag reel

The organization honored Jeanneret on April 1, 2022 by raising his banner to the rafters of KeyBank Center in front of a sold-out crowd on “RJ Night.” Watch the full ceremony below.

RJ Night: Full Banner Ceremony

The Sabres’ video team put together a behind-the-scenes look at “RJ Night” in “Beyond Blue & Gold: RJ Forever,” which won an Emmy Award during the 66th Annual New York Emmy Awards on October 30, 2023. See the award-winning video below.

Beyond Blue and Gold: RJ Forever

Casey Mittelstadt poked a rebound past Blackhawks goaltender Collin Delia in overtime on April 29, 2022 to cap off a 3-2, come-from-behind victory over Chicago with RJ on the mic for his final call. Hear the memorable call below.

CHI@BUF: Mittelstadt backhands rebound for OT winner

Following the win, an emotional Jeanneret signed off the broadcast for the final time. Watch his final sign-off below.

Rick Jeanneret signs off for the final time

After signing off, Jeanneret headed down to the ice where Sabres fans cheered for him one last time. Hear from Brian Duff and Biron as they narrated the moment below.

Fans salute RJ one final time

Remembering Classic Calls

During the Sabres’ 50th season celebration in 2020, we sat down with Jeanneret and Sabres alumni to gather insight and reactions to some of RJ’s best goal calls. Listen to the stories behind four of his most memorable calls below.

Origins of the La-La-La-La-La-La-LaFontaine Goal Call

Sabres Memories: Scary Good Goal Call

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Sabres Memories: Dave Hannan’s 4OT goal in 1994