Rick Jeanneret history mysteries

[Stoner]

A story about Rick on sabres.com leading up to RJ Night said he called his first Sabres game on October 10, 1971, as the Sabres hosted the Pens to start the franchise's second season. But the Sabres' media guide for that season says Ted Darling, the voice of the Sabres, would do all games on the radio unless they were televised, and then Rick would take over on the radio. The home opener was not televised.

If the media guide is right, Rick's first call was in Boston on October 14, and his first game at the Aud was against the Leafs on November 21.

Another mystery is whether Rick has, indeed, called a hockey championship in Buffalo. He did Bisons road games in 1969-1970. The Calder Cup was won on the road that season. I know some of our posters go back that far. @PromoTheRobot?

Then there's this question that exists only in my head. Did Rick ever call a game from home? I know Ted did, during the Blizzard of 77. But I swear there was a night I got the distinct impression Rick wasn't at the Aud. It was never talked about as far as I can remember. I wouldn't be surprised if he did it but didn't want it advertised because of his respect for and deference to Ted, which exists to this day.

Have at it. Any others?

Edited April 27, 2022 by PASabreFan

[PromoTheRobot]

Jeez, you expect me to remember 1970? I can't even remember what I had for breakfast yesterday.

 

But I do own a Bisons Pepsi cap replica jersey. It's sweet. Maybe I'll wear it Friday for RJs finale.

Edited April 27, 2022 by PromoTheRobot

[Pimlach]

I listen to that Bison Championship win on my Sylvania transistor radio.  I just can’t remember the announcer.  It should have been RJ. 
 

I cared more about Guy Trottier and Gil Villemiere at the time. 

Edited April 27, 2022 by Pimlach

[Stoner]

1 hour ago, Pimlach said:

I listen to that Bison Championship win on my Sylvania transistor radio.  I just can’t remember the announcer.  It should have been RJ. 
 

I cared more about Guy Trottier and Gil Villemiere at the time. 

How do you feel about being hypnotized?

[mphs mike]

2 hours ago, Pimlach said:

I listen to that Bison Championship win on my Sylvania transistor radio.  I just can’t remember the announcer.  It should have been RJ. 
 

I cared more about Guy Trottier and Gil Villemiere at the time. 

I remember my disappointment that Trottier and Villamuere wouldn't play for Buffalo the following season!

[Pimlach]

36 minutes ago, PASabreFan said:

How do you feel about being hypnotized?

I doubt that will help me remember.  Back in 1969-70 I only cared about the players.  

[Marvin]

Ted and Rick did the games with Paul Weiland on the radio when the games were not on TV.  Rick was a mediocre colour-commentator.

[mphs mike]

Ted always knew the hometown of a fan catching a puck that went over the glass!😀

[Taro T]

5 minutes ago, mphs mike said:

Ted always knew the hometown of a fan catching a puck that went over the glass!😀

Could never figure out HOW he KNEW that!

(Couldn't believe an adult would just make something like that up.  He had to have been psychic!  (D'oh!))

[PromoTheRobot]

9 hours ago, mphs mike said:

I remember my disappointment that Trottier and Villamuere wouldn't play for Buffalo the following season!

Despite setting an AHL goal record, Guy Trottier did not have much of an NHL career with the Leafs. Villamure backed up Eddie Giacomin on the Rangers, who were the Bisons parent club.

Edited April 28, 2022 by PromoTheRobot

[mphs mike]

3 hours ago, Taro T said:

Could never figure out HOW he KNEW that!

(Couldn't believe an adult would just make something like that up.  He had to have been psychic!  (D'oh!))

It took me several years to figure it out😳

[mphs mike]

2 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said:

Despite setting an AHL goal record, Guy Trottier did not have much of an NHL career with the Leafs. Villamure backed up Eddie Giacomin on the Rangers, who were the Bisons parent club.

I was old enough to go to games and remember the championship, but young enough not to understand the farm system. I think my thoughts we - just because we’re changing our name doesn’t mean we should get rid of out best players

[Stoner]

In an odd twist of fate, the Sabres farm team went on to win the Calder Cup in 1973 at the Aud.

 

[Stoner]

 

[Stoner]

Click on the arrow in the previous post.

[Pimlach]

5 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said:

Despite setting an AHL goal record, Guy Trottier did not have much of an NHL career with the Leafs. Villamure backed up Eddie Giacomin on the Rangers, who were the Bisons parent club.

He didn’t back up Goacomin.  They pretty much split the nets.  Gilles made 3 All Star Teams, and he shared a Vezina with Giacomin.  A pretty good career. 

[thewookie1]

23 hours ago, PASabreFan said:

A story about Rick on sabres.com leading up to RJ Night said he called his first Sabres game on October 10, 1971, as the Sabres hosted the Pens to start the franchise's second season. But the Sabres' media guide for that season says Ted Darling, the voice of the Sabres, would do all games on the radio unless they were televised, and then Rick would take over on the radio. The home opener was not televised.

If the media guide is right, Rick's first call was in Boston on October 14, and his first game at the Aud was against the Leafs on November 21.

Another mystery is whether Rick has, indeed, called a hockey championship in Buffalo. He did Bisons road games in 1969-1970. The Calder Cup was won on the road that season. I know some of our posters go back that far. @PromoTheRobot?

Then there's this question that exists only in my head. Did Rick ever call a game from home? I know Ted did, during the Blizzard of 77. But I swear there was a night I got the distinct impression Rick wasn't at the Aud. It was never talked about as far as I can remember. I wouldn't be surprised if he did it but didn't want it advertised because of his respect for and deference to Ted, which exists to this day.

Have at it. Any others?

I'd suggest tweeting Brian Duff and Biron about these questions; they tend to look into them for fans.

[Stoner]

1 hour ago, thewookie1 said:

I'd suggest tweeting Brian Duff and Biron about these questions; they tend to look into them for fans.

I got a better source. Cupcake's on the Twitter.

[Marvin]

1 hour ago, PASabreFan said:

I got a better source. Cupcake's on the Twitter.

A far better source.

[Stoner]

Thanks @thewookie1!

[thewookie1]

Maybe RJ himself will answer it in the intermission 🙂

[Stoner]

They remain mysteries...