Foster Hewitt

Foster Hewitt

Foster Hewitt (November 21, 1902 – April 21, 1985) was a pioneering Canadian sports broadcaster best known for his play-by-play calls for hockey during the early days of radio and television. He is famously credited with coining the phrase "He shoots, he scores!" and was instrumental in bringing the game of ice hockey into the homes of millions, making the sport more accessible and popular across Canada and beyond.

Early Life

Foster William Alfred Hewitt was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He was the son of William Hewitt, the sports editor of the Toronto Daily Star, which influenced Foster's early interest in sports. Hewitt attended the University of Toronto, where he further developed his passion for sports, participating in hockey and boxing.

Career

Hewitt's broadcasting career began in 1923 when he provided play-by-play coverage of a Toronto Argonauts football game. However, it was his coverage of hockey that made him a household name. In 1927, he broadcast his first National Hockey League (NHL) game on the radio, a medium that was still in its infancy. Hewitt's vivid and enthusiastic commentary style quickly gained popularity among hockey fans.

In 1931, Hewitt and his father built the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, a venue that would become iconic in the history of hockey. Hewitt's broadcasts from the Gardens would go on to define his career. He founded the radio station CKFH in 1949, which expanded his influence in sports broadcasting.

Hewitt transitioned to television in the 1950s, continuing to call games for the NHL. His voice became synonymous with Saturday night hockey in Canada, contributing significantly to the sport's growing popularity. Hewitt's ability to capture the excitement and pace of hockey, combined with his signature calls, left a lasting impact on sports broadcasting.

Legacy

Foster Hewitt's contributions to hockey and broadcasting were recognized through numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1965, not as a player, but as a broadcaster, a rare honor that highlighted his significant impact on the sport. The Foster Hewitt Memorial Award was established in his honor, awarded annually to members of the radio and television industry who make outstanding contributions to their profession and the game of hockey.

Hewitt's legacy extends beyond his broadcasting achievements. He played a pivotal role in shaping the way hockey and sports, in general, are consumed by fans, setting a standard for future generations of broadcasters. His influence is still felt today, as his iconic phrases and enthusiastic style continue to inspire broadcasters around the world.

Death

Foster Hewitt passed away on April 21, 1985, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His death marked the end of an era in sports broadcasting, but his legacy lives on through the countless broadcasters he influenced and the generations of hockey fans who grew up listening to his calls.