Buffalo Sabres Set To Raise RJ To The Rafters Tonight

The KeyBank Center is going to see something it hasn't in quite a while for tonight's Sabres Game... A Sellout Crowd.  And with good reason, as they are set to honor longtime play-by-play man Rick Jeanneret on "RJ Night"

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The Sabres announced back in August of 2021, that after 51 years in the booth, this would be the final season for the legendary broadcaster in Buffalo.

"RJ", as he is affectionately known by Sabres fans, has seen it all here in Buffalo. From the French Connection to his famous call of the “May Day” playoff goal.  The only thing that he wasn't involved in was the Sabres' first season, which was called by Ted Darling. "RJ" was inducted into the Sabres' Hall of Fame in 2011, the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, and the Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2012.

The Sabres are now set to give Jeanneret the ultimate honor tonight.  Before the puck drops when the Sabres take on the Blackhawks, the Hall of Fame broadcaster will have his name raised to the rafters on a banner at The KeyBank Center.

"RJ" will be immortalized in the Sabres' home alongside other team legends like Gilbert Perreault, Pat LaFontaine, and others in the arena's rafters.

Jeanneret had the following to say about the honor:

I hope that wherever they put me, the players on either side of me might move over a little bit, because I am a little rounder around the belly than I used to be, and certainly than any of the players are. But it’s a wonderful honor, and it’s something that not only what I will treasure, but also my kids and grandkids, they certainly will too.

Take a walk down memory lane here, with the best al-time calls, from one of the best to ever do it.

We're going to miss you "RJ"