The Doc is out.
Mike “Doc” Emrick has ended his 21-year relationship with the Devils and MSG after agreeing to an exclusive deal with NBC/Versus. The Hall of Famer said his goodbyes to Devils fans in a letter on the team’s website.
“I’ve been extremely fortunate to have been able to spend 23 incredible years with the MSG Network channels and 21 equally enjoyable years — including 3 Stanley Cup championships — with the New Jersey Devils,” Emrick wrote. “However, considering the long-term significance of this decision, I was able to construct a lighter regular season-schedule and the usual complement of Stanley Cup Playoffs and Stanley Cup Final games for NBC and VERSUS. But that assurance of less travel and fewer games has regrettably led me to end my association with the MSG Network channels and the Devils.”
Emrick, 65 on Aug. 1, was the team’s first voice when they moved from Colorado to New Jersey for the 1982-83 season. He left in 1986, but returned seven years later to replace Gary Thorne.
“I wanted Devils fans to know of this news quickly after I reached the decision since their kindness to my wife Joyce and me on countless occasions brought us so much joy,” the Indiana native said. “Candidly, it has also left me with a sense of regret that I will not be continuing to call the team’s games.
“Words in prepared statements like these usually read very cold. Despite that, I hope you will sense how much I have enjoyed being around you and the team. This seemed the best way to get this news to you in the middle of the offseason.”
Along with the note, the Devils prepared a tribute video to Emrick with kind words from president Lou Lamoriello, analyst Chico Resch and studio host Stan Fischler. The video includes some of Emrick’s famous Devils calls through the years, including the moments after one of their Stanley Cup titles and Martin Brodeur setting the all-time wins mark for a goalie.
“I love the way he does the game,” said Resch, who worked alongside Emrick for the past 15 years in the Devils booth. “You could say it’s old-school, but to me it’s the way hockey needs to be broadcast.”
The Hockey Hall of Fame honored Emrick in 2008 with the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to hockey broadcasting. He won a Sports Emmy this year as TV’s top play-by-play announcer.
“Devils fans, including myself, have had the great privilege to watch and listen to the talents of Mike Emrick for more than two decades,” Lamoriello said in a statement. “Doc is a unique individual and the ultimate professional, both in and out of the broadcast booth. He is always well-prepared, entertaining, insightful, and focused, not just for each and every game, but each and every player. Joining NBC/VERSUS will allow the entire hockey world to experience what we have all enjoyed as Devils fans.
“I would like to thank Mike for what he brought to our organization. He and his lovely wife, Joyce, will always be part of the Devils‟ family. I look forward to continue watching him on a national level.”
With AP