Everyone has their favorite way to watch or listen to a hockey game. Here is a list of the 20 greatest hockey announcers of all time. Don Cherry and Barry Melrose were left off the list as they are more studio announcers than in-booth play callers. Agree? Disagree? Leave your comments!
20. Randy Hahn
Highly regarded announcer for the San Jose Sharks
19. Jim Robson
A mainstay for the Vancouver Canucks
18. Joe Beninati
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 23: A general view of the Washington Capitals jersey logo during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Capital One Arena on October 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Well respected voice of the Washington Capitals
17. Gary Thorne
Jul 26, 2015; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Master of Ceremonies, Balitmore Orioles broadcaster Gary Thorne makes Hall of Fame player introductions during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies at Clark Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
His passion for the games oozes out during telecasts, and he has been excellent doing baseball games, too.
16. Bob Miller
MONTREAL, CANADA – OCTOBER 17: A closeup view of the Los Angeles Kings crest during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on October 17, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Los Angeles Kings defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Worked Los Angeles Kings games for multiple decades
15. Mickey Redmond
Mickey Redmond and Ken Daniels have been broadcast partners for 23 seasons.
Mickey Redmond
A Detroit icon who coined the phrase “Holy Mackerel!”
14. Dan Kelly
Mar 2, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the logo on the jersey of St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) during the game between the Dallas Stars and the St. Louis Blues at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
St. Louis Blues legend
13. Mike Lange
Jun 14, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins broadcasters Mike Lange (left) and Phil Bourque (right) during the Stanley Cup championship parade and rally in downtown Pittsburgh. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Colorful broadcaster for the Pittsburgh Penguins
12. Jiggs McDonald
Was the main announcer for multiple teams in his legendary career
11. Sam Rosen
His voice is synonymous with the New York Rangers
10. Rick Jeanneret
Nov 23, 2018; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres play by play announcer Rick Jeanneret in the TV booth before announcing a game against the Montreal Canadiens at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Came up with the phrase “Top shelf is where mama hides the cookies!”
9. Gene Hart
MONTREAL, QC – DECEMBER 16: A detailed view of the Philadelphia Flyers’ logo seen on a jersey during overtime against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on December 16, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 in a shootout. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Called over 2000 games for the Philadelphia Flyers
8. Bob Cole
Dec 9, 2018; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster Bob Cole calls his last game in Edmonton between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
A Legend who was on Hockey Night in Canada for years
7. Joe Bowen
SUNRISE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 19: The Toronto Maple Leafs logo is seen on a jersey during the third period of a game against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on October 19, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs and appeared in the movie Youngblood
6. Danny Gallivan
MONTREAL, CANADA – OCTOBER 14: A close-up view of the Montreal Canadiens logo on a jersey during the second period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Bell Centre on October 14, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Montreal Canadiens 6-3. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
An iconic voice in Montreal Canadiens history
5. Fred Cusick
MONTREAL, QC – MARCH 21: A detailed view of the Boston Bruins’ logo is seen during the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on March 21, 2022 in Montreal, Canada. The Boston Bruins defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
When you think of the Boston Bruins, you think of Fred Cusick
4. Pat Foley
Apr 14, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; against the Chicago Blackhawks players signal to retiring broadcaster Pat Foley after the game against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
If you follow the Chicago Blackhawks, you know Pat Foley
3. Mike Emrick
Better known as “Doc”, Emrick has worked multiple Stanley Cup Finals and Olympic Games
2. Bill Clement
MONTREAL, CANADA – NOVEMBER 05: A closeup view of the NHL crest is seen on a referee jersey during the second period between the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames at the Bell Centre on November 5, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Calgary Flames defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
He’s so good that he’s the voice of many NHL video games
1. Foster Hewitt
Many consider him to be one of the pioneers of hockey broadcasting
