Jack Edwards, the passionate and sometimes controversial play-by-play announcer for the Boston Bruins, announced his retirement after the 2023-24 season, ending a notable two-decade career characterized by his fervent support for the team and memorable, albeit occasionally contentious, commentary.
On Tuesday, the Boston Bruins dropped a bit of a bombshell. Jack Edwards, their iconic play-by-play man, announced he’s hanging up his mic after the 2023-24 season. That’s right, ending a vibrant two-decade tenure.
Edwards’ career? It’s been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Passion, homerism, and yes—a sprinkle of controversy. That’s been his recipe for almost any game he’s called.
Growing up, Edwards was all about the Bruins. And he never tried to hide it. Not one bit. He rooted for them, openly, during broadcasts. This led to some unforgettable moments. Think top-10 countdown material.
But, oh, there were bumps along the road. Like in 2019, when he mentioned “bad hockey karma” after Roman Polak of the Dallas Stars got injured. That comment? It didn’t sit well with Polak’s agent, Allen Walsh. Not at all. And then there was the time he commented on Pat Maroon’s weight. Yeah, that stirred the pot too.
In an era where play-by-play announcers often sound… well, a bit too polished, Edwards was a breath of fresh air. His enthusiasm, his willingness to dive into the fray—it set him apart. Made for some unforgettable broadcasts, that’s for sure.
Sure, the incidents with Polak and Maroon? They were missteps. And the criticism was warranted. But listening to Edwards was mostly a joy. A unique, passionate voice in a sea of sameness.
For Bruins fans tuning into a local broadcast, Edwards delivered exactly what they wanted. A voice that cheered with them, felt with them. In a world where national broadcasts strive for neutrality, Edwards’ local flavor was a welcome exception. He brought something special to the booth, something we might not see again for a long time.
