I may be in the minority here, but I don't mind a good homer announcer so long as they're entertaining. If I'm watching the Bruins, I want Jack Edwards. If I'm watching the Sabres, I want Rick Jeanneret. Guys like that, though homers, exhibit so much passion in their calls that it makes the game more exciting to watch.
It's hockey, do you really need more excitement? Especially, manufactured excitement?
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I'm not high, but I don't know what day it is.
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Exhibit A as to how hockey doesn't matter on ESPN:
Last night an ESPN program was discussing how the Detroit Pistons needed a hero citing the heroes on the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions and no mention of the Detroit Red Wings. All this despite the Red Wings probably being the most succesful team in Detroit right now.
I'm not sure why Ken Daniels from Detroit doesn't get any credit. I find him to be a lot like Jim Hughson with a slightly less cool voice. But he isn't an outrageous homer, has a good voice, and has made up some cool phrases that have caught on (Datsyukian deke, for example).
I like the LA announcer because he sticks to the play and doesnt wander off on to many stories.. whenever the Sens play US teams I usually use the other teams feed.
Atleast that's my experience with Brown & Potvin..
agreed, hands down my favourite, what I like most about him is his ability to know where his "expertise" ends and allowing his partners in the booth, often with the NHL experience to offer their perspectives
What's with the idea that team-specific announcers are supposed to be impartial? National announcers, sure. But team-specific ones? I find Jack Edwards entertaining, to be honest. "Get up!"
And I'd like to use this as an oppurtunity to say that Kenny Albert should become the Rangers PxP guy once Sam retires (which will probably sooner rather than later, sadly). He's great on the radio and it was nice hearing him call some playoff games this year.
I don't know if french ones count, but Pierre Houde on RDS is really, really good.
Being a Habs fan I obviously know him better than any other announcers. Without being too spectacular he's doing a classy and very professional job, night after night and he's known for asking players the right way to pronounce their name. He sometimes tend to chat a bit during play, but that was mostly during the Pedneault/Brunet era. For me, he's the best franco at this since René Lecavalier. That's a HUGE compliment.
And like me, he's a aviation aficionado. "Et le buuuuuut!!"
I don't know how people don't like Jack Edwards. He's funny, entertaining, and he really does know hockey.
Sure he's a Bruins fan so you're bound to have some homer moments but he at least calls the opposing team's goals with some energy unlike some other announcers who sound like their dog died.
1. Bob Cole - the man, the legend. I grew up listening to that man call my Leafs every saturday night, and my only memories of the playoffs are with him calling the games. EASILY my favourite.
2. Doc Emmerick
3. Jim Hughson - the reason he is lower is cause he is usually paired with idiots like Healey
