Icon Cole postpones call on return
If the smartphone didn’t give it away with caller ID, it would still have been unmistakable who was at the other end of the line.
Bob Cole, in his distinctive cadence, called to say that, yes, he’s disappointed not to be calling the Stanley Cup playoffs for Hockey Night In Canada.
“Quite disappointed,” Cole told the Star. “It’s hard to get over it, really. It’s just constantly there. I miss it.”
Why wouldn’t he? Soon to be 85, Cole’s is an iconic voice, the way it rises and falls with the flow of the game. His critics say he’s past his prime, that he misidentifies players. But his lines —“Oh, baby,” “This … Is … Playoff … Hockey” and the occasional “Everything is happening” — are part of the fabric of the game for so many.
“I love the kind of work I’ve been doing, seeing the guys. (Golden Knights coach Gerard) Gallant is a good friend. Was looking forward to at least saying hello. Just missing the playoffs. I miss it,” said Cole. When Rogers held its Up Front promotion Tuesday — highlighting what’s to come on the television side next season — Sportsnet president of NHL properties Scott Moore expressed an interest in having Cole return for another season, possibly to celebrate special occasions. Cole said he isn’t sure about that.
“Things are up in the air and I don’t know what their plans are,” said Cole. “They said to me: Come and do a game. I don’t know. I don’t think I’m interested. I don’t know.
“Sure, I would love to be working again. I feel I can still work. I don’t think my voice has changed. It’s as strong as it’s ever been, thank goodness. We’ll see what they do. Hopefully they’ll be calling me, but they’re pretty busy now with the Stanley Cup.”
Cole was far from sour. He said he understood Moore’s decision, especially because Sportsnet has amassed a great deal of play-by-play talent since it assumed the role of national broadcaster.
“They can’t keep everybody happy,” said Cole. “They have a tough job to pick and choose. I have to respect their thinking. The show goes on. They’re good.
“They have a tough job choosing, they have so many guys now. Can’t please everybody. Unfortunately, I was the guy out. I don’t want to sound like I’m complaining. Scott’s got a tough job to do. I respect what they’re doing. Hopefully over the summer they’ll change their tune a little bit and give me a call.”