He was Foster Hewitt ‘after’ Foster.

Inspired by his idol, Newfoundland-native Bob Cole, then in his early 20s, managed to track down Hewitt in Toronto; where one legend listened to an audition tape, providing feedback to the one who would eventually become a legend himself.

 

 

Cole began calling NHL games in 1969 before moving to TV in 1973, becoming the voice on the soundtracks of generations of fans of Hockey Night in Canada for five decades.

Think of him and you can’t but help repeat his trademark call ”Oh, baby!”

His last game for H-N-I-C was April 6, 2019 — the regular season finale in Montreal between the Canadiens and Maple Leafs.

Bob Cole passed away in St. John’s Wednesday evening surrounded by his family.

Daughter Meagan Cole says her father had been healthy ”up until the very end.”

She also thanks Canadians for their love of his work and love of hockey.