By: Chad Jones | Follow me on Twitter/X @ShutUpChadJones
Before the Boston Bruins bested the Seattle Kraken 2-0 on Sunday, the organization paid tribute to their longtime television play-by-play man, Jack Edwards. Edwards decided to step away from the NESN booth this off-season after 19 seasons calling Bruins hockey.
During the past few years, it became clear that Edwards was struggling to enunciate sharply and keep up with the fast-paced speed of an NHL game. It was an unfortunate way for the enthusiastic broadcaster to end his career.
“I’ll address the elephant in the room,” Edwards said on NESN’s Bruins Face-Off Live. “The doctors still don’t know what’s going on between my brain, which appears to be functioning normally, no matter what the Toronto fans say, and my mouth. But, I’m getting used to speaking more slowly and don’t get as self-conscious as I once did.”
None of that should overshadow Edwards’ incredible tenure as the voice of the Black and Gold for nearly two decades. His passion for the Bruins and the sport of hockey was infectious. While so many announcers shy away from showing their true colors, Edwards never backed down from voicing his opinion.
Not to mention, his self-deprecating attitude was a breath of fresh air in the sports broadcasting industry. While he took his job seriously, he did not take himself too seriously. Edwards always seemed so grateful for his position, which was hammered home whenever he genuinely asked the NESN viewers, “Who has more fun than us?”
His iconic calls serve as the soundtrack to one of the most successful eras in franchise history. His flair for the dramatic and these indelible moments combine for a one-two punch New England sports fans will never forget.
When Nathan Horton blasted the overtime winner past Carey Price to beat the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2011 playoffs, Edwards perfectly punctuated Boston’s victory. Bruins fans watching will always remember how he bellowed out, “The Bruins knock out Montreal!” with pure jubilation.
But any mention of Jack Edwards would be incomplete without bringing up the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was behind the microphone for four Bruins vs. Leafs opening-round playoff matchups. Although NESN did not get the assignment for the most recent game seven last spring, Edwards still left his unique mark on this original six rivalry.
His call in game seven of the 2019 first round, when the Bruins scored a late goal in the third period to pull ahead 4-1, of, “The Leafs are mulch again!” is terrific. Edwards’ delivery and dramatic pauses highlight what a truly unique voice he is.
But Edwards’ signature moment has to be game seven of the 2013 opening round. When Boston completed their ferocious third-period comeback against Toronto to even the game at four aside with under one minute left, he delivered a broadcasting clinic.
“Patrice Bergeron ties it!” Edwards hollered. “Hearts of lions! They come from three down in the final 11 minutes to tie game seven!” His excitement was palpable, and his delivery was full of gusto. And in overtime, after Bergeron buried the series clincher, Edwards executed a soliloquy that no other hockey announcer could have.
“With the point of the dagger at their throats, they rip it out of Toronto’s hands and kill the beast!” Edwards wailed. “The Boston Bruins have won it after being three down in the third.”
His fervor for this team and this sport never wavered. His longtime broadcasting partner, Andy Brickley, said his most endearing moment with Edwards was being with him on the duck boat after the Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 2011. Brickley explained that seeing the unadulterated happiness Edwards exuberated that day is a moment he will always appreciate.
Edwards may no longer be the voice of the Boston Bruins, but his beloved introduction quote, “From high above the ice…” is permanently displayed inside the NESN broadcast booth at TD Garden. While not every hockey fan enjoyed his work, even his harshest critic would have to admit he was one of a kind. There will never be another broadcaster quite like Jack Edwards.
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