Legendary Sabres broadcaster Rick Jeanneret dies at 81

Renowned hockey broadcaster Rick Jeanneret passed away on Thursday.

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Rick Jeanneret called the game for the Buffalo Sabers for over 50 years.

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Rick Jeanneret died Thursday at the age of 81.

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The Jeanneret family, through the Sabres, released a statement that the Hall of Fame play-by-play man died "after a two-year battle with multiple-organ failures."

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Jeanneret joined the Sabers in 1971, his second season in the NHL.

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Sabres' owner Terry Pegula said that "Rick was truly a very special and very loving person."

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Terry Pegula said "How happy I am to know him. How lucky we were to be around him and hear him speak."

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Rick Jeanneret's imprint on Sabers history extends far beyond the broadcast booth.

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