Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

Foster Hewitt Memorial Award. The Foster Hewitt Memorial Award is a prestigious honor presented by the Hockey Hall of Fame to recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster. Named in honor of the legendary Foster Hewitt, whose iconic radio calls from the gondola at Maple Leaf Gardens defined the sport for generations, the award is considered the highest accolade in hockey broadcasting. Recipients are permanently enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame's media section, joining a pantheon of the sport's most influential voices.

History

The award was established in 1984 by the Hockey Hall of Fame's selection committee to formally honor the legacy of Foster Hewitt, who had passed away the previous year. Hewitt's pioneering work for the CBC and his famous "He shoots, he scores!" call during the 1972 Summit Series had cemented his status as a national icon. The inaugural recipient was Danny Gallivan, the legendary voice of the Montreal Canadiens on Hockey Night in Canada, known for his colorful vocabulary. Over the decades, the award has expanded to honor broadcasters from across North America, including prominent figures from the NHL's United States television partners like NBC Sports and ESPN.

Recipients

The list of recipients includes many of the most famous voices in hockey history. Early honorees were pioneers of the medium, such as Rene Lecavalier, the French-language voice of the Montreal Canadiens, and Buddy O'Connor, a respected analyst. The award has recognized national figures like Bob Cole, the longtime voice of Hockey Night in Canada, and Dick Irvin Jr., a renowned commentator and author. American broadcasters have also been honored, including Mike Emrick, the voice of multiple Stanley Cup Finals on NBC, and Doc Emrick, known for his work with the New Jersey Devils and NBC Sports. Recent winners include Jim Hughson, known for his tenure with the Vancouver Canucks and CBC Sports, and Chris Cuthbert, the lead voice for Sportsnet and the NHL on TSN.

Selection process

Candidates for the award are nominated and selected by a sub-committee of the Hockey Hall of Fame's selection committee. This committee is composed of Hall of Fame members, professional broadcasters, and media historians. The primary criterion is a candidate's "outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster," which encompasses longevity, excellence, and impact on the profession. Unlike the Lester Patrick Trophy, which honors contributions to hockey in the United States, this award has a broader North American scope. The selection is announced annually, and the award is typically presented during the Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in Toronto.

Significance and impact

Winning the award is considered the pinnacle of a hockey broadcasting career, conferring a status akin to enshrinement in Cooperstown for a baseball broadcaster. It validates a lifetime of work bringing the drama of the NHL, international events like the Olympics and the World Junior Championships, and community hockey to audiences. The award ensures the legacy of influential voices is preserved alongside the players and builders in the Hockey Hall of Fame. It has also helped elevate the profile of the broadcasting profession within the hockey community, recognizing its vital role in growing the sport's popularity across Canada and the United States.

Trophy design

The physical trophy is a miniature replica of the famous gondola from which Foster Hewitt broadcast games at Maple Leaf Gardens. Crafted from sterling silver and wood, it sits atop a polished marble base. The design was created by renowned silversmiths and serves as a direct, tangible link to Hewitt's pioneering era in sports broadcasting. Each recipient's name is engraved on the base, creating a permanent record of honor. The trophy is displayed prominently within the Hockey Hall of Fame museum in Toronto, alongside other major honors like the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Vezina Trophy.

Category:Hockey Hall of Fame Category:Sports broadcasting awards Category:Sports trophies and awards in Canada