One of the most famous broadcasters in the province’s history, and one who many deem to be the best hockey broadcaster ever, has passed away.
Bob Cole, who got his start in radio at VOCM, and became the voice of Hockey Night in Canada for decades, was 90.
Cole’s signature “Oh Baby” was solidified as his trademark call, and was famously on display during Mario Lemieux’s stunning rush and goal against the Minnesota North Stars in 1991.
1991 Stanley Cup Finals
All-time goal by 66.
All-time call by the late Bob Cole.
He lets the crowd noise take it.
You can hear a faint giggle in the background.One of my favourite Bob Cole moments. pic.twitter.com/ajRmy3rOJ2
— Sid Seixeiro (@Sid_Seixeiro) April 25, 2024
Cole moved from VOCM to CBC Radio where he ended up calling the 1972 Summit Series between Canada and Russia.
He’s also responsible for his infamous call during a 1976 game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Red Army when the Russians skated off the ice in the middle of the 2nd period in protest after a string of vicious hits from the Broad Street Bullies.
“They’re goin’ home!” Cole declared. “They’re goin’ home.”
Cole was born in St. John’s and went to Bishop Feild College. He also excelled in high school sports such as soccer, track and field, hockey and basketball, and was a standout in baseball as a centerfielder and hitter, being elected to the St. John’s Baseball Hall of Fame.
Bob Cole attending the annual Government House Garden Party with then-Lt.-Gov. Judy Foote and husband Howard in 2022. (VOCM News)
Cole hosted a media golf tournament at the former Bally Haly club in St. John’s during his prime years at Hockey Night in Canada, attracting current and former NHL players to raise money for local charities.
Our condolences to the family of legendary hockey commentator Bob Cole. Cole—seen here with Brad Gushue at the announcement for the 2017 Brier in St. John’s—was an avid curler, competing at 2 Briers and 2 Canadian mixed for Newfoundland and Labrador.https://t.co/3SS2CzyA7j pic.twitter.com/AkVS4k4kpi
— Curling Canada (@CurlingCanada) April 25, 2024
He was also a great curler, representing the province at the Canadian men’s championships in 1971 and 1975, and the Canadian mixed championships in 1965 and 1973.
And if that wasn’t enough, Cole was a rower and coxswain in the Royal St. John’s Regatta throughout the 1960s, and in 1997 was inducted into the SportNL Hall of Fame.
Bob Cole, the play-by-play voice of countless NHL games, dies at 90 https://t.co/TdFG5445le pic.twitter.com/pM96dAiQ9E
— Hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) April 25, 2024
Cole was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996 as a recipient of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for broadcasting excellence. And just two years ago he was named the recipient of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Canadian Screen Awards.
His name is also immortalized through the Bob Cole Media Centre at the Mary Brown’s Centre.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
Oh baby, Bob Cole is a legend. As a broadcaster, the voice of hockey in Canada for decades. As a gentleman, a family man, and – perhaps most importantly – as a Newfoundlander and Labradorian. He showed the people of our province that you can make it on the national stage. To Bob! pic.twitter.com/V0G1QqctL3
— Premier of NL (@PremierofNL) April 25, 2024
RIP the great Bob Cole. A Newfoundland legend and the best to ever call a game. I was honoured to get ‘Cole’ in my stocking one year for Christmas. Oh, Baby! 90 years of greatness. An honour to have known him. Condolences to his family, friends and legions of fans. pic.twitter.com/CWKvmSyQVC
— Mark Critch (@markcritch) April 25, 2024
