https://twitter.com/LLyso...BqY2EU4Se644UnnpAZ7A&s=19

Damn right

Build the statue out front this weekend.
- QuinnFan

I 2nd this... Rj will truly be missed.. RJ=GOAT

Rest in peace, RJ. Even though he had retired, it didn't feel like he was really gone for good; it felt like he might come back for an important game at some point. Now we know we'll never hear him again.

I'm so glad he got his special retirement night. I didn't expect to be so emotional with this news but we really lost an icon. We'll always have the memories

Rest in peace, RJ. Even though he had retired, it didn't feel like he was really gone for good; it felt like he might come back for an important game at some point. Now we know we'll never hear him again.

I'm so glad he got his special retirement night. I didn't expect to be so emotional with this news but we really lost an icon. We'll always have the memories
- Hank Balling

whether anyone believe it's corny or not, the man was just as much a family as our (beloved) aunts uncles and cousins. There's no shame in feeling a similar sadness to their passing. This community is as close as any in America, and he was and will forever be a massive part of it.

Rest in peace, RJ. Even though he had retired, it didn't feel like he was really gone for good; it felt like he might come back for an important game at some point. Now we know we'll never hear him again.

I'm so glad he got his special retirement night. I didn't expect to be so emotional with this news but we really lost an icon. We'll always have the memories
- Hank Balling

Very well written , you should consider being a blogger.

RIP to the greatest Broadcaster I've had the honor of listening to. Rick was 1 of 1. A true original.

RIP to the greatest Broadcaster I've had the honor of listening to. Rick was 1 of 1. A true original.
- DirtyDan

I grew up with him, listening from a little kid in the 70s. A lot of times, a person passes and people will say, "he was one of the best." Not often do they say, "he was the best." I'm of course biased but I think he was the GOAT. RIP Rick, you deserved a cup, but maybe you can help us with that now?

He was the voice of several generations of Sabres fans

His voice is as recognizable as my dad or grandfathers, I remember as a child playing Blades of Steel and doing play by play in his voice (badly). I used to make tapes on the Home Alone Talk Boy I got for Christmas.

He is a true legend, he is Buffalo, he is Sabre Hockey. I listened to WGR this morning when I was taking my girls to school this morning and I was fighting back tears, I listened on my way to work smiling and laughing at the stories, the calls, and the memories.

Just like Van Miller, its a shame neither him or RJ got to call a Championship. Thank you Rick.

https://twitter.com/Buffa...tatus/1692555707743130022

I grew up with him, listening from a little kid in the 70s. A lot of team, a person passes and people will say, "he was one of the best." Not often do they say, "he was the best." I'm of course biased but I think he was the GOAT. RIP Rick, you deserved a cup, but maybe you can help us with that now?
- turbo044

The calls, the voice, the character, no one does it like him. Especially anymore. Whether you were the LA kings or the Canadians or the Bruins, he called it like it should be called. Not much bias, if its a nice play he's letting you know.

The calls, the voice, the character, no one does it like him. Especially anymore. Whether you were the LA kings or the Canadians or the Bruins, he called it like it should be called. Not much bias, if its a nice play he's letting you know.
- DirtyDan

RIP RJ. I truly enjoyed watching Sabres broadcasts when they played the Flyers because of his style.

He was the voice of several generations of Sabres fans

His voice is as recognizable as my dad or grandfathers, I remember as a child playing Blades of Steel and doing play by play in his voice (badly). I used to make tapes on the Home Alone Talk Boy I got for Christmas.

He is a true legend, he is Buffalo, he is Sabre Hockey. I listened to WGR this morning when I was taking my girls to school this morning and I was fighting back tears, I listened on my way to work smiling and laughing at the stories, the calls, and the memories.

Just like Van Miller, its a shame neither him or RJ got to call a Championship. Thank you Rick.

https://twitter.com/Buffa...tatus/1692555707743130022
- Stripes77

My gran'pa brought me into the Sabres fold as a kid in a house full of Leaf fans, once he passed, Rick was the closest thing I had to him. To remind me of him, whenever i'd see Rick, I saw the old man with the big ole smile he'd always have, imitating all the great calls. Its been tough to carry the torch alone, not have another voice around to battle my dad and brothers with. But I'll be forever grateful, that I was the one to carry the torch further.

God bless the both of them. Two great souls.

Rest in peace, RJ. Even though he had retired, it didn't feel like he was really gone for good; it felt like he might come back for an important game at some point. Now we know we'll never hear him again.

I'm so glad he got his special retirement night. I didn't expect to be so emotional with this news but we really lost an icon. We'll always have the memories
- Hank Balling

https://youtu.be/NYWgVS5CiX4?si=HRQA6Ht-407iie5g

My gran'pa brought me into the Sabres fold as a kid in a house full of Leaf fans, once he passed, Rick was the closest thing I had to him. To remind me of him, whenever i'd see Rick, I saw the old man with the big ole smile he'd always have, imitating all the great calls. Its been tough to carry the torch alone, not have another voice around to battle my dad and brothers with. But I'll be forever grateful, that I was the one to carry the torch further.

God bless the both of them. Two great souls.
- DirtyDan

Rsh: CONFIRMED

I 2nd this... Rj will truly be missed.. RJ=GOAT
- gordong

Agreed, the idea that he won't get to do a guest appearance for a playoff game stings. When we discuss the best guys to never win a Cup, I think he should get some small consideration despite never lacing them up. As Taco says, feels like we lost a family member. I've been bummed all day.

Will just add, it's a pleasure talking hockey with all of you. We never know when our bell will toll, if mine rings out tomorrow, just wanted that on the record. Have a good weekend y'all.

Agreed, the idea that he won't get to do a guest appearance for a playoff game stings. When we discuss the best guys to never win a Cup, I think he should get some small consideration despite never lacing them up. As Taco says, feels like we lost a family member. I've been bummed all day.

Will just add, it's a pleasure talking hockey with all of you. We never know when our bell will toll, if mine rings out tomorrow, just wanted that on the record. Have a good weekend y'all.
- QuinnFan

I saw a post that sums it up perfectly

"It feels like all of Buffalo lost their grandpa today"

I saw a post that sums it up perfectly

"It feels like all of Buffalo lost their grandpa today"
- Stripes77

Well ain’t that the truth!

I saw a post that sums it up perfectly

"It feels like all of Buffalo lost their grandpa today"
- Stripes77

No doubt about it.

Our parents bring us along and teach us what it means to live in this world. Our grandparents are there to make sure we love life to the fullest, especially growing up. And he made sure to make the game as fun and as welcoming as possible.

Anyone who's met him knew he was a humble, fun loving man who never took anything too seriously the second you spoke to him. Most people are formal or guarded upon meeting someone else, but RJ "knew" you once he shook your hand. I had the distinct pleasure several times at the arena and on the road crew visits.

every time I saw RJ near the arena he had a bottle of pepto


RIP

RIP RJ.

New (RJ) blog