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CBC enshrines broadcast icon Danny Gallivan
posted by Dave Stubbs at 14h53 EST on Sep 30
CBC SPORTS HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES INDUCTEES FOR 2009
The CBC Sports Hall of Fame today announced that Maggie Davis, Danny Gallivan, Howie Meeker and Jim Thompson—all icons in sports broadcasting—have been elected for induction, Wednesday, Nov. 18, in this, the third annual event.
“We are proud to honour these four deserving individuals and are looking forward to welcoming them as members of the CBC Sports Hall of Fame,” said Scott Moore, executive director, CBC Sports. “These people represent the best of the best in on-camera personalities and behind-the-scenes brilliance—their contributions to sports broadcasting are countless.”
Maggie Davis began her broadcasting career in England in the 1950’s. In 1962, she moved to Toronto and began her career with the CBC, working as a secretary for legendary CBC Sports producer and Hall of Famer George Retzlaff. Four years later, she began scripting; her first event was the British Empire Games in Jamaica. Over the years, Davis covered various Olympics, beginning with the 1968 Games in Grenoble, France, and numerous Commonwealth Games, working largely with Don Brown and Jimmy Thompson. She then moved to Vancouver in 1975, where she worked largely with Rhonda Burnside. Even after she retired in 1995, she continued to freelance at both the Atlanta and Nagano Olympic Games. Davis currently resides in Toronto.
Danny Gallivan began his on-air career at CJFX in Antigonish, N.S. while attending St. Francis Xavier University. After two years of service in the Canadian Army, Gallivan became sports director in 1946 at CJCH Halifax. In 1950, he began providing commentary for the CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA’S Montreal Canadiens broadcasts, and in 1952 he earned a permanent post in the broadcast booth alongside fellow CBC Sports Hall of Famer Dick Irvin. Gallivan became well-known for his colourful and unique descriptions of the action, using phrases such as “spinarama” and “cannonading drives,” endearing himself to audiences. The voice of the Habs retired after the 1983-84 season, having called play-by-play for more than 1,800 Canadiens games on radio and television. In his “retirement,” the East Coast native remained a member of the CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA team as a goodwill ambassador. In 1991, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters inducted Gallivan into the CAB Broadcast Hall of Fame for his distinguished contributions to sports broadcasting.
Howard “Howie” Meeker became a sportscaster after an illustrious career suiting up for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Over the course of eight seasons, he took home the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 1947, and hoisted four Stanley Cups. During the 1950’s, Meeker balanced his hockey career with also serving as a Member of Parliament. After getting behind the bench to coach his former team and later becoming general manager, the Kitchener, Ont. native joined CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA as a colour commentator. A testament to his dedication to coaching, Meeker hosted Howie Meeker Hockey School, airing on CBC Television from 1973 to 1977. In 15 minute-long episodes, Meeker put a class of young skaters in St. John’s through their paces, teaching the fundamental skills needed to play hockey. During his broadcasting career, Meeker was an innovator, becoming the first commentator to utilize the telestrator to break down plays for the audience. He was honoured with the Foster Hewitt Award for “Excellence in Hockey Broadcasting” and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Broadcasters category.
Jim Thompson began working at CBC in Toronto as a script writer, trained by fellow inductee, Maggie Davis, following his graduation from the Radio and Television Arts program at Ryerson, in 1966. Over the years, Thompson worked on a number of sports events across the country and around the world. A big advocate for woman in sports broadcasting, Thompson was proud to hire several female employees, both in front of and behind the camera. A testament to the encouragement he showed to women in sport, The BLG Awards, established in 1993 to recognize the top female and male athletes from universities across Canada, changed the name of their women’s trophy to the Jim Thompson Trophy. In 1984, Thompson served as executive producer for CBC’s extensive coverage of the Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, a major network undertaking. In that same year, Thompson began working for TSN, where he rose to become the president and general manager of TSN and Netstar Sports until his retirement in 2000. He also served a variety of sports organizations and committees, including the Hockey Hall of Fame Board, and the Canadian Special Olympics Board. Thompson came out of retirement to become Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the Canadian Olympic Committee, where he worked until his passing. In 2002, Ryerson University honoured Thompson with an Alumni Achievement Award.
This November, these four inductees will join previously inducted legends: Don Wittman, Foster Hewitt, George Retzlaff, Joan Mead, Ted Reynolds, Ernie Afaganis, Geoff Gowan, Gordon Craig, Tom Fisk, Dick Irvin, Bob Moir and Fred Walker.
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Granted it is only the third season BUT Danny should have been an inaugural member. He was not a homer like somebody we won't mention, It might be my paranoia but was it because he was from the Maritimes and Montreal that it took so long. Do offence to Dick Irvin but Danny Gallivan should have been in first if not together.
Congratulations the the Gallivan family
Enormous save by Dryden. Dick, he shot that glove out there in rapier-like fashion.
A cannonading drive!
And my favourite: Dick, the puck was caught in Engblom's paraphernalia.
Danny was the best ever. I'll never stop getting goosebumps from his call of Lafleur's goal in Game 7 ('79) against the Bruins.
When I was a kid... we used to get to see what Howie had to say in the first intermission. He had the current Cherry slot. Then usually we had to go to bed, except if it was the playoffs, then we got to stay up and watch the Habs win.
Danny and Dick were a great team. HNIC just isn't the same without them.
BTW Where's the love for Howie Meeker? He had the most irritating voice but he actually did a good job of explaining the fundamentals of the game.
How is it possible that those two guys aren't already in the Hall of Fame? Like Puck Bard - I knew the Howie Meeker Hockey School in Stanstead. My brother went there for two summer stints. (I wasn't good enough to spend the money).
Think it was in '71 and '72. But we met Howie, and I was impressed at what 12?
As for Gallivan.... I still call games on RDS using his voice.
I can still hear Danny Gallivan's voice in my head. He has to be the best there ever was, & it was a pleasure to watch a game while listening to his play by play. As one of the older Canadiens' fans, I consider myself very lucky to have watched some of the best players & teams ever, while listening to that magic voice describing what was happening.
Cheers to the best broadcaster that ever was!!! Just wondered why it took them soooo long......better late than never I guess.
That's the only decent thing the CBC has done in the last little while. The greatest play-by-play man who ever lived IMO. I'm sure Danny Gallivan is looking down right now and smiling. My question is this. WHAT THE HELL TOOK THEM SO LONG!
Amen.
Should have done it while he was alive.
DP
Danny G... The best there was, the best there ever will be...
Blooming blast....
Maracoulous save by Dryden...
I miss that man!!!
There will never be another play by play man that will ever come close to Danny....
AGREE.
Habs Fan 4 Ever & Ever Amen.
Rest In Peace Danny. You will always be untouchable in my eyes. I was so proud to have you as our announcer. I watched many games featuring your unmatched brilliance and love for the game back home in South Shore St Bruno and then later in NDG. You were fair, exacting and honourable in every game. Every announcer should be required to study your example. What a high standard you set! I will never forget you and I will remember you to my kids and to their kids too!
Sincerely,
Brent
...Don Wittman, Foster Hewitt, George Retzlaff, Joan Mead, Ted Reynolds, Ernie Afaganis, Geoff Gowan, Gordon Craig, Tom Fisk, Dick Irvin, Bob Moir and Fred Walker. ?
...ALL significant broadcasters in their own right (...though a few I have NEVER heard of before)
...BUT it takes almost until 2010 for DANNY GALLIVAN ...to be inducted in CBC's Sports Hall Of Fame ?!?
...Incredible !!! ...the Greatest Hockey Broadcaster EVER in ANY universe You may inhabit ...died in 1993 ! ...AND it takes over 16 years for this CBC apparent after-thought ?
...did I say ...INCREDIBLE ???
Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049
A cannonading blast from the past whose legend grows every time you're privileged enough to hear him. To me, he was the best hockey broadcaster ever. His distinctive voice ebbed and flowed with the game. At times it grew quiet during lulls in the action. And then, suddenly (just like the game) he'd rapidly build into a crescendo as Lafleur would "gather the puck at his end of the ice." His voice would grow more shrill and he'd speak more quickly, always at the same pace of the puck carrier. Then, the classic call of "He scores!"or "What a scintillating save by..."
What a great broadcaster he was. He and Dick Irvin were there every Saturday night and all during the playoffs (because the Habs won so often). No one has ever come close to the professional passion and enthusiasm for the game that these two demonstrated when they were on the air. I always thought Foster Hewitt sounded dull compared to our Danny Gallivan.
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Beliveau- his legend is 600' tall and growing...
Well, it's about time!
Many of my most cherished hockey memories were called by Danny Gallivan. He was in a class of his own.
Like everything associated with the Habs through most of his career, he exuded class and excellence.
I am glad he is finally getting his official due.
He retired the year I was born, but here's to you Mr. Gallivan.
I don't give a crap about broadcasters. But Danny.... was awesome. What made him great is the enthusiasm he brought to the game. And he called every game evenly, just delivered the excitement of the moment without any bias. So many comentators today try to fill the air with all this in-depth info... Danny was just a real, genuine fan of the sport, and you could hear it in every word. Amazing how rare that is isnt it?
--------------------------------------------------- `Could this team miss the playoffs? Who knows?' - Bob Gainey on the new Habs.
Not only the best hockey play- by- play man, but the best play- by- play man in any sport. He was also a Cape Bretoner, that makes me all the more proud, conrgats Danny.
... Danny G. is the greatest but how did Dick 'Marble Mouth' Irvin get in before him, life isn't just.
what took so long?
Where is this taking place? and can the public attend??
I'll be raising a glass of Alexander Keiths tonight in honor of a fellow maritimer! Danny was broadcasting.
500 comments today about the same old Hab bs and only a couple of dozen for a great man such as Danny Gallivan. Somehow, it just doesn't seem fair. Thanks, Dave, for this classy thread about true legends of the game.
Here's the thing. Many of us who grew up watching 12 inch BW TV's and brilliant Habs hockey of the late 60's and 70's don't bother with the day to day dribble of the current additions of the Habs as we know in our heart of hearts that these current addtions are mediocre at best. Many of the contributors have not heard of this legend, or can hear him in their memories. Though I do comment on the current team, I usually don't have much good to say as so many of the players in the last couple of years don't seem to know what they represent when they don the red, white and blue. case in point SK 74. Here is a ham and egger that could'nt carry the jock strap of Bob Gainey or many of the 70's players, missing team buses and acting like he is this years addition of Pierre Larouche ( with a third of the talent). All I want as a habs fan is an honest effort and pride in the sweater. To make a long story short 500 posts is a reflection of longing for something that is not around the corner.
Anthony - I sent you an email. Please check your junk mail. BTW, great avatar. Steve
Be glad Mr. Stubbs remembers us old farts, Steve. :)
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Beliveau- his legend is 600' tall and growing...
Doesn't seem fair, but a lot of the posters on this site weren't around when Mr. Gallivan was calling the games.
"A month before the season I stop putting ketchup on my french fries." -Mario Lemieux on his off-season training.
One of the endearing memories I have is listening to Danny Gallivan call the last two periods on radio with my Father. In those days they seemed to be afraid that broadcasting the whole game would cut into the paid admissions. Danny Gallivan (and Elmer Ferguson of the "Hot Stiove League" on the CBC) were the Class of the Hockey World. Nobody today reaches their pinnacle. Thanks for the memories!
I wouldn't exactly call a player demanding a trade the same old BS, but yea, I see your point.
to be honest.. It has only been a few hours..
Danny was great: negotiating a change on the fly; canonading shot; tower of power; scintilating save; Savardian spinarama and more that will come back to me later.
Gee wiz, jeepers and golly. Howie was also quite wonderful although his "take the man" refrain eventually got a little tired. Loved his enthusiasm though, and he taught some of us a lot.
DANNY GALLIVAN has been in my own Hall Of Fame since 1959, when he rescued me from living on the streets and a park bench at 14 years old and introduced me to Mr. Selkie who gave me odd jobs around the old forum. Danny took me to and paid for a room at the down town YMCA where i lived for three years.
He is much more that a fantastic broadcaster to me. He is a very wonderful man, my hero and mentor. He taught me all about charity, pride in ones self and tenacity. I often wonder where I would be today if he had not been in my life.
I miss this man! and I get a lump in my throat every time his name is mentioned.
Thank you Danny!
...I never met Him Ian ...like You ...I watched My Canadiens play as much to experience Danny's voice and eloquent language to paint even beyond the visual experience ...listening with Danny made the experience of watching the Montreal Canadiens 'Magical'
...I often ask Myself today ...would the Montreal Canadiens mean so much to Myself ...IF Danny Gallivan had not been part of the experience ? ...I really do not think so
...I know if I was a kid growing up during the past 20 years ...I definitely would not be The Fan to the extent I am now ...as to this day, I hear Danny in My heart ...as well as My memory ...there is no broadcaster today that can evoke such memorable excitement and emotion
...I too had My own tribulations to endure and survive growing up Ian ...which now I consider essential to Our ultimate tenacity and character
...but DAMN ! ...We should point out to people ...Within EVERY Dark Cloud ...There IS A Silver Lining ...IF We Look For It !
...in Your case Ian ...meeting Danny in such a way ...and the chance for a 14 year old roust-about to enter the sanctum of the Montreal Forum ...was certainly A Golden Lining to Your unfortunate circumstance
...by the way, Ian ...was the park's name Cabot Park ...in front of the Forum ?
Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049
I don't know the name of the park, but it was between the Mtl. Childrens Hospital and the Forum. Tupper St., St. Catherine St., Closey St. and Atwater.
I just found out a couple of years ago the park across from the old forum is called PIGEON PARK.I don't know if that was the name back then.I always refered to it, the park across from the forum.Maybe it is called Pigeon park because it is full of pigeons LOL.
Habs Fan 4 Ever & Ever Amen.
...it was a tiny little park ...I also heard it referred to as Pigeon Park a few times ...Someone may correct Me if I am wrong, but I think the official name was John Cabot Park (...or today, likely ..Parc Jean Cabot ?) ...the only park between the Children's Hospital and the Forum ...if I recall correctly
Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049
Square Cabot.
See my comment above. Cream always rises to the top, Ian. A man like Danny Gallivan comes along in every ones life. In your case you saw and lived with the help and learned from it. I suspect you still learn from it every time you get the "lump in your throat". We know there were enough other kinds of "lumps".
Awesome story Ian... Posts like that are refreshing.
Thanks for that story Ian.
Are you serious? What a story. I like Danny even more now if that's possible. He was the best play-by-play guy ever. It's a travesty that he wasn't chosen to do the summit series.
There never will be another Danny Gallivan! Why are all the broadcasters anti-hab? I remember as a very young child, hearing Foster Hewitt on radio, and that was a magic time in Hockey. Where the Habs would form a wall of defense, aka Gainey, Chelios, Robinson, Carboneau, Smith, Richer style! Remember Bob Gainey's Jofa helmet! Those were the last few years where we could hear Danny Gallivan, and watching the NHLTV network of classic games, the one they showed the other night with the Habs/Philly playoff series, compared to what we have now, those were habs! Now we argue with each other over the mediocre habs we have now.
"Arizona bankruptcy judge denies BOTH Balsillie and NHL bids......sheesh!" - via Damion Cox's Twitter.
this is a win for the NHL, they now control the team and can sell it to anyone they choose....look for the team to be moved to Vegas or Kansas city after this season.
Here's the TSN link http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=293208
Ex nihilo nihil fit
I guess it serves them both right! But sucks for the future and the fans of that franchise.
My father always considered Danny Gallivan the best hockey broadcaster he ever heard, good for him.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu.
Way to go Danny; still making us Antigonishers and X-Alumni proud!
"A month before the season I stop putting ketchup on my french fries." -Mario Lemieux on his off-season training.
Hear, hear!
Next to watching the Canadiens win Stanley Cups, I consider listening to Danny Gallivan as my second greatest joy connected to the Canadiens. If you have never listened to his play by play, go to utube and search for 70's Canadiens and listen to him, you won't regret it.
Sholi2000.com
2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
My New Rec Room- http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/Canadiens/My%20Hockey%20Room/
Rec Room looks great...:)
Love the Tretiak Habs Jersey!!!
Room looks great!
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Ya! The Habs Rule! now on Twitter!
Greatest Canadiens goalie to never wear the Jersey :)
Thanks for the comments all.
Sholi2000.com 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry My New Rec Room- http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/Canadiens/My%20Hockey%20Room/
Glad for Danny.
But as a former attendee of the Howie Meeker Hockey School in Stanstead, Quebec I am even more happy for Howie.