Foster Hewitt

Foster Hewitt. Foster Hewitt was a pioneering Canadian radio broadcaster whose vivid play-by-play commentary defined the experience of ice hockey for generations. He is most famously associated with the electrifying catchphrase "He shoots, he scores!" which became ingrained in the nation's cultural fabric. His groundbreaking broadcasts from the gondola high above Maple Leaf Gardens brought the National Hockey League into homes across North America, making him one of the most influential figures in sports media history.

Early life and career

Born in Toronto, he was the son of William A. Hewitt, a prominent sports editor for the Toronto Star and an early secretary of the Ontario Hockey Association. This connection to the sport provided a natural pathway, and he began his media career as a reporter for the Toronto Daily Star. His first foray into radio occurred on March 22, 1923, when he provided updates for a junior hockey game between Parkdale Collegiate Institute and the Northern Secondary School on CFCA, a station owned by the Star. His big break came in 1927 when he was chosen to call the first national radio broadcast of an NHL game, a contest between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Chicago Black Hawks from the Chicago Stadium. In 1931, he began his legendary tenure broadcasting from the newly built Maple Leaf Gardens, a partnership with the team's owner, Conn Smythe.

Broadcasting style and legacy

Hewitt's style was characterized by a rapid, excited delivery that perfectly matched the fast pace of hockey. He pioneered the practice of broadcasting from an elevated booth, famously dubbed the "gondola," which gave him a unique vantage point to describe the action. His voice became the soundtrack for iconic events like the Stanley Cup playoffs and the 1972 Summit Series. He founded his own production company, Foster Hewitt Limited, and his broadcasts were carried on the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission and later the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. His work was instrumental in building the popularity of the NHL and cementing hockey's place as Canada's national winter sport, influencing countless future broadcasters including his son, Bill Hewitt.

"He Shoots, He Scores!"

The phrase "He shoots, he scores!" is indelibly linked to Hewitt, though its exact origin is debated. It emerged organically from his descriptive style during the frantic action around the goaltender and the net. The exclamation became his signature call, capturing the sudden climax of a scoring chance with unparalleled brevity and excitement. It transcended sports broadcasting to enter the common lexicon, being referenced in other media, used in advertising, and even inspiring the title of a Heritage Minute historical vignette. The phrase remains a powerful cultural shorthand for dramatic success, ensuring his vocal legacy endures far beyond his own broadcasts.

Honors and recognition

Hewitt received numerous accolades for his transformative impact on sports broadcasting. In 1965, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a Builder, a rare honor for a non-player. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1972 for his contributions to Canadian broadcasting and sport. Further honors included induction into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1975 and the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. The press box at Maple Leaf Gardens was named in his honor, and the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award was established by the Hockey Hall of Fame to honor outstanding contributions to hockey broadcasting.

Personal life and death

He married Florence Cole in 1929, and they had two children: a daughter, Ann Hewitt, and a son, Bill Hewitt, who followed him into the broadcast booth and called games for Hockey Night in Canada. In his later years, he authored an autobiography titled "Hockey Night in Canada: 60 Years." Foster Hewitt died of a heart attack in Toronto on April 21, 1985, at the age of 82. His funeral was held at St. James Cathedral, and his ashes were interred at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. His pioneering work established the blueprint for modern sports commentary and left an indelible mark on Canadian cultural history.

Category:Canadian sportscasters Category:Hockey Hall of Fame inductees Category:Officers of the Order of Canada