Like Steve Albert, author of “Funny Things That Happened On The Way to the Broadcast Booth,” I had dreams of becoming a Playby announcer. Unlike Steve, whose career took off successfully, mine stopped after just one game — but it’s a story worth telling, especially since the memory feels as vivid as if it happened yesterday.
As a devoted fan of the Maple Leafs, I had spent countless hours listening to Foster Hewitt’s iconic broadcasts on CBL-Toronto and thought I had the skills to be a great hockey play-by-play announcer. During the 1954-55 NHL season, I worked as a spokesman for the Assistant Rangers. My boss, Herb Goren, often trusted me with important tasks like writing text for the backs of hockey cards and reading hockey news from out of town.
One night, Herb surprised me with a unique opportunity—he asked if I wanted to call a game because the usual announcer was sick. Without hesitation, I said yes, though I had no real idea what I was getting into.
That night, the Rangers faced off against the formidable Montreal Canadiens. The Rangers were struggling, while Montreal was at the top of their game. As the game began, I realized I wasn’t Foster Hewitt and that the challenge was much tougher than expected. Yet, one moment made it all worthwhile.
I introduced the broadcast for Armed Forces Radio: “Hello, this is Stan Fischler for Armed Forces Radio, bringing you the Stanley Cup champion Montreal Canadiens against the New York Rangers.”
For a while, the Rangers held Montreal at bay until Ivan Irwin took a penalty, giving Montreal’s dangerous power play the advantage. My favorite Ranger, Aldo Guidolin, known as an effective penalty killer and the only NHL player from Forks of Credit, Ontario, took to the ice.
I praised Aldo as he headed out to the penalty kill, knowing what might come next. With Doug Harvey and Boom Boom Geoffrion supporting Montreal’s strong power play, a faceoff was won by Belibaud, who passed to Geoffrion. Geoffrion fired a shot that Aldo stopped with his foot, but the puck bounced back into play near the center ice.
What happened next thrilled me: “It’s a breakaway… Aldo Guidolin is clear. There’s no one near him.” Aldo charged down the right side, close to the goal, and took a shot “across the goal.” He scored! I was exhilarated by the rush and confident in my call.
Though Montreal eventually tied the game and went on to win 6-1, that goal was a highlight. When the final buzzer sounded, I was just glad the Rangers had something to cheer about—especially Alex Guidolin’s penalty-killing prowess and that memorable goal.
Armed Forces Radio later gave me a recording of the entire game, which I gifted to Aldo and his wife Phyllis as a wedding present. I even replayed the breakaway segment multiple times to convince myself it was real. Aldo and I stayed close friends until he passed away on November 8, 2015.
Fan Take: This story highlights the passion and unpredictability of hockey, showing how even an unexpected opportunity can create unforgettable moments. For fans, it’s a reminder that every player and every game holds the potential for history, no matter how unlikely the circumstances.
