The hockey world received the tragic news on Thursday that legendary play-by-play man, Bob Cole, passed away at the age of 90.
For almost every Canadian hockey fan, Bob Cole’s voice is the voice you hear when thinking of a hockey commentator. It wasn’t just the sound of his voice that made him iconic, but his ability to add to any moment he was describing, whether it was through his word choice, cadence, timing or just straight gravitas. He was one of the reasons why Hockey Night in Canada was must-see TV every Saturday night.
In honour of Mr. Cole, here are some of the best calls he made for the Edmonton Oilers.
“Oh my goodness!” and “Marchaaant!”
One of the most legendary moments in Oilers playoff history was made even more legendary by Bob Cole.
The save by Curtis Joseph was out of this world, and in case your eyes didn’t tell you that, Cole certainly made sure your ears knew. The genuine shock in his voice is evident, as you could tell he was getting ready to make the goal call.
The play after was also a great call, that almost seemed prophetic. Seeing the breakout starting from the Oilers’ zone after asking who will score for Edmonton, Cole says “They’re gonna try here.” His voice then increases in intensity alongside Todd Marchant’s burst of speed, belting out his name in anticipation prior to the shot. The pause when the shot goes in is just beautiful timing, and the repeat of “Marchaaant scooores” again is such a simple yet effective way to portray the magnitude of the goal.
“It is Pisani…Scores!”
Another legendary Oilers moment punctuated by Cole. When Fernando Pisani intercepted the pass, Oilers fans everywhere moved forward in their seat, and based on his tone, I’m pretty sure Cole did too.
Almost a copy of the Marchant call, Cole pauses after saying Pisani’s name to see the shot and then an emphatic “scores!” after it goes in. It’s a small thing, but the lack of saying “shoot” and instead using the pause, a Bob Cole trademark, just builds the excitement of the play.
“Come back my producer says…You can’t hear a word here!”
Another playoff moment, since that tended to be when Oilers fans were able to get the joy of having Cole call their team’s games.
Again, Cole builds up with the play, and although the “scores” seemed a little more docile, the follow-up of the double “What a goal!” in two different tones is awesome.
But the beauty of this call is the aftermath. Cole doesn’t say anything, letting the ridiculously loud Oilers crowd do the talking, and then “Come back, my producer says. Comeback?…You can’t hear a word here!” is just *chef’s kiss*.
“Seven games coming up for the Stanley Cup”
Every Oilers fan has seen the above intro video from Game 7 of the 2006 Stanley Cup Final (and watch it on a loop during any playoff run). It’s unanimously been voted the best intro video of all time by Oilers fans, and I still feel like running through a wall whilst simultaneously crying every time I do.
The icing on the cake is the end when Cole comes onto the mic to let you know the importance of this game in as few words as possible, and then again let’s the chant from the crowd in Game 6 emphasize the point.
“Folks, there’s a new bunch on the block”
This clip starts with Cole mentioning: “It’s been said in the past, about these Edmonton Oilers, that they haven’t won anything yet” (sounds a bit familiar right now…), followed by announcing that they are the “new bunch on the block”, almost akin to an officiant telling everyone at a wedding to celebrate the newest couple in town. And again, Cole stops talking after to allow the emotion to come through the screen to the viewer.
Thank you, Bob Cole
I think I can speak for all Oilers (and hockey) fans when I say, thanks for the memories, Mr. Cole.
