Vancouver’s hockey community has mourned the loss of Jim Robson, a legendary figure in the sport who passed away at the age of 91. Robson was a key part of the Vancouver Canucks’ history, serving as their play-by-play announcer from the team’s NHL debut in 1970 (though he started covering hockey in 1956) until he retired in 1999. He is best remembered for calling many of the franchise’s most memorable moments, including the iconic 1994 Stanley Cup playoff call in Vancouver. His broadcasting career extended beyond the Canucks, as he called multiple Stanley Cup Finals (1975, 1980, 1982), the NHL All-Star Game, and also provided commentary for lacrosse, football, and baseball.
Even after retiring, Robson remained a dedicated Canucks supporter and was occasionally seen at games. His contributions to hockey earned him inductions into several halls of fame: the BC Hockey Hall of Fame in 1998, the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 2000, and the CAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2002.
Fan Take: Robson’s passing marks the end of an era, reminding fans of the profound impact broadcasters have on shaping the identity and history of a franchise. His legendary voice will continue to echo in the memories of hockey aficionados, underscoring the importance of storytelling in the sport’s legacy.
