Jack Edwards (sportscaster)
Encyclopedia
Jack Edwards is the play-by-play announcer for the Boston Bruins
on NESN. He occasionally does play-by-play for NHL on Versus
coverage as well.
positions at WGIR
radio and WMUR-TV
in Manchester, New Hampshire
. During the early 1980s he worked as a talk radio
host for WRKO
in Boston
, and as a weekend anchor at WJAR-TV in Providence
. He then moved to sports anchor and reporter positions at WCVB-TV
and WHDH-TV
in Boston. He also served as a reporter for ABC
’s Wide World of Sports
and was an announcer for alpine skiing
for ABC's coverage of the 1988 Winter Olympics
and CBS
's 1991 Olympic Winterfest coverage.
and sumo wrestling
. Edwards worked as an NHL play-by-play announcer for ESPN from 1999 to 2003, and was the primary play-by-play announcer for HDNet
’s NHL broadcasts during the 2003–04 season.
From 2000 to 2002, Edwards was the lead play-by-play announcer for MLS Soccer Saturday
, ESPN2's weekly telecast of Major League Soccer
, as well as the announcer for telecasts of the United States men's national soccer team
on ESPN and ABC. In 2002, Edwards was the main play-by-play announcer for ESPN's coverage of the 2002 FIFA World Cup
. He is known for a memorable call made during the United States' run to the quarterfinals; after the United States upset Portugal
, 3–2, Edwards yelled, "Mine eyes have seen the glory!", quoting from Battle Hymn of the Republic. He also was the play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Fire in 2003.
Edwards called the Fenway Football Challenge
friendly between Celtic F.C.
and Sporting CP for NESN in 2010. He yelled "The goal area is 196
square feet," as Celtic defeated Sporting in penalties.
Edwards began calling Bruins games during the 2005-06 NHL season
for NESN, handling the road games while Dale Arnold
covered the home games. At the start of the 2007-08 NHL season
, Edwards called all Bruins games, which he has continued to do through the 2010-11 NHL season. He has been criticized for being a "Bruins homer," sportscasting zealously and fabricating events to spin them in a pro-Bruins favor, but others enjoy his pro-Boston spin. He gave a speech at the end of the Bruins' first round series in the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs
, in which he compared the Bruins' victory over the Montreal Canadiens
to the Boston Tea Party
and the American Revolution
.
, calling play-by-play of National Hockey League
games, and occasionally hosting The NHL on Versus Post Game Report.
. Edwards also attended Oyster River High School
in Durham, New Hampshire
.
Jack and his wife, Lisa, own Fountainhead Production, a full-fledged HD production company in Simsbury, Connecticut
.
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
on NESN. He occasionally does play-by-play for NHL on Versus
NHL on Versus
The NHL on Versus was the former branding used for National Hockey League games broadcast on Versus. Versus became the NHL's cable partner in the United States beginning in the 2005-06 season from previous partner ESPN, providing coverage of regular season games, playoff games, and select games...
coverage as well.
Early career
Edwards started as a play-by-play announcer for the UNH hockey team. He then moved on to play-by-play and sports anchorSportscaster
In sports broadcasting, a commentator gives a running commentary of a game or event in real time, usually during a live broadcast. The comments are normally a voiceover, with the sounds of the action and spectators also heard in the background. In the case of television commentary, the commentator...
positions at WGIR
WGIR (AM)
WGIR is a radio station in Manchester, New Hampshire with a news/talk format. The station is owned by Clear Channel Communications.-History:...
radio and WMUR-TV
WMUR-TV
WMUR-TV is the ABC-affiliated television station for the state of New Hampshire that is licensed to Manchester. It broadcasts a high definition digital signal on VHF channel 9 from a transmitter on the south peak of Mount Uncanoonuc in Goffstown. Owned by Hearst Television, the station has studios...
in Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester is the largest city in the U.S. state of New Hampshire, the tenth largest city in New England, and the largest city in northern New England, an area comprising the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. It is in Hillsborough County along the banks of the Merrimack River, which...
. During the early 1980s he worked as a talk radio
Talk radio
Talk radio is a radio format containing discussion about topical issues. Most shows are regularly hosted by a single individual, and often feature interviews with a number of different guests. Talk radio typically includes an element of listener participation, usually by broadcasting live...
host for WRKO
WRKO
WRKO is a radio station based in Boston, Massachusetts, currently owned by Entercom. Its transmitter is located in Burlington, Massachusetts, next to the Burlington Mall.-1920-1940:...
in Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, and as a weekend anchor at WJAR-TV in Providence
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the third largest city in the New England region...
. He then moved to sports anchor and reporter positions at WCVB-TV
WCVB-TV
WCVB-TV, channel 5, is a television station located in Boston, Massachusetts, owned by Hearst Television and affiliated with the ABC Television Network. WCVB-TV's studios and transmitter are co-located in Needham, Massachusetts. WCVB is also one of six Boston television stations seen in Canada by...
and WHDH-TV
WHDH-TV
WHDH, digital channel 42 , is an NBC-affiliated television station in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the largest NBC station not owned by the network. Owned by Sunbeam Television, WHDH is a sister station to CW affiliate WLVI...
in Boston. He also served as a reporter for ABC
American Broadcasting Company
The American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948...
’s Wide World of Sports
Wide World of Sports (US TV series)
ABC's Wide World of Sports is a sports anthology series on American television that ran from 1961 to 1998 and was originally hosted by Jim McKay. The title continued to be used for general sports programs until 2006...
and was an announcer for alpine skiing
Alpine skiing
Alpine skiing is the sport of sliding down snow-covered hills on skis with fixed-heel bindings. Alpine skiing can be contrasted with skiing using free-heel bindings: Ski mountaineering and nordic skiing – such as cross-country; ski jumping; and Telemark. In competitive alpine skiing races four...
for ABC's coverage of the 1988 Winter Olympics
1988 Winter Olympics
The 1988 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XV Olympic Winter Games, were a winter multi-sport event celebrated in and around Calgary, Alberta, Canada from 13 to 28 February 1988. The host was selected in 1981 after having beat Falun, Sweden and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy...
and CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
's 1991 Olympic Winterfest coverage.
ESPN
He spent 12 years at ESPN, from 1991 to 2003. While with ESPN, he was also seen calling Little League baseballLittle League
Little League Baseball and Softball is a non-profit organization in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, United States which organizes local youth baseball and softball leagues throughout the U.S...
and sumo wrestling
Sumo
is a competitive full-contact sport where a wrestler attempts to force another wrestler out of a circular ring or to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of the feet. The sport originated in Japan, the only country where it is practiced professionally...
. Edwards worked as an NHL play-by-play announcer for ESPN from 1999 to 2003, and was the primary play-by-play announcer for HDNet
HDNet
HDNet is a men's interest television channel in the United States, broadcasting exclusively in high-definition format and available via cable and satellite television...
’s NHL broadcasts during the 2003–04 season.
Soccer
From 2000 to 2002, Edwards was the lead play-by-play announcer for MLS Soccer Saturday
MLS Soccer Saturday
MLS Soccer Saturday is a weekly presentation of Major League Soccer games that aired on ESPN from 1996 to 2006. MLS Soccer Saturday was the first weekly presentation of MLS games, which usually started at 4PM EST. The program is sponsored by Radioshack...
, ESPN2's weekly telecast of Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
, as well as the announcer for telecasts of the United States men's national soccer team
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
on ESPN and ABC. In 2002, Edwards was the main play-by-play announcer for ESPN's coverage of the 2002 FIFA World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
. He is known for a memorable call made during the United States' run to the quarterfinals; after the United States upset Portugal
Portugal national football team
The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento...
, 3–2, Edwards yelled, "Mine eyes have seen the glory!", quoting from Battle Hymn of the Republic. He also was the play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Fire in 2003.
Edwards called the Fenway Football Challenge
Fenway Football Challenge
The Fenway Football Challenge was an association football exhibition between Celtic and Sporting CP at Fenway Park in Boston on 21 July 2010.It was the first soccer game at the historic park since 1968 when Pelé participated in an exhibition against the Boston Beacons.-Second Half:Celtic striker...
friendly between Celtic F.C.
Celtic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
and Sporting CP for NESN in 2010. He yelled "The goal area is 196
196
Year 196 was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Dexter and Messalla...
square feet," as Celtic defeated Sporting in penalties.
Boston Bruins Hockey
Edwards began calling Bruins games during the 2005-06 NHL season
2005-06 NHL season
The 2005–06 NHL season was the 89th season of operation of the National Hockey League . This was the season after the 2004–05 season which had all of its scheduled games canceled due to a labor dispute with the NHL Players Association over the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league...
for NESN, handling the road games while Dale Arnold
Dale Arnold
Dale Arnold is a New England sportscaster who hosts Boston Bruins broadcasts on NESN. He is formerly the co-host of a popular midday sports talk radio show on WEEI and formerly the Bruins' play-by-play announcer on NESN...
covered the home games. At the start of the 2007-08 NHL season
2007-08 NHL season
The 2007–08 NHL season was the 91st season of operation of the National Hockey League . It began on September 29, 2007, with the regular season ending April 6, 2008...
, Edwards called all Bruins games, which he has continued to do through the 2010-11 NHL season. He has been criticized for being a "Bruins homer," sportscasting zealously and fabricating events to spin them in a pro-Bruins favor, but others enjoy his pro-Boston spin. He gave a speech at the end of the Bruins' first round series in the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs
2011 Stanley Cup playoffs
The 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League began on April 13, 2011, after the conclusion of the 2010–11 NHL regular season. Game 1 of the Finals was held on June 1, while Game 7 was held on June 15...
, in which he compared the Bruins' victory over the Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
to the Boston Tea Party
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a direct action by colonists in Boston, a town in the British colony of Massachusetts, against the British government and the monopolistic East India Company that controlled all the tea imported into the colonies...
and the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
.
College Sports Television
He also appeared on College Sports Television in the interim of him leaving ESPN and coming to Versus.Versus
As of 2006, Edwards is occasionally on VersusVersus (TV channel)
Versus is a sports-oriented cable television channel in the United States. It was previously known as Outdoor Life Network and was launched on July 1, 1995, focusing on fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports...
, calling play-by-play of National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
games, and occasionally hosting The NHL on Versus Post Game Report.
Personal
Edwards was a soccer player in college at the University of New HampshireUniversity of New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire is a public university in the University System of New Hampshire , United States. The main campus is in Durham, New Hampshire. An additional campus is located in Manchester. With over 15,000 students, UNH is the largest university in New Hampshire. The university is...
. Edwards also attended Oyster River High School
Oyster River High School
Oyster River High School , part of the Oyster River Cooperative School District , is a public high school located in Durham, New Hampshire, United States with an enrollment of about 700 students. It serves Durham and the neighboring communities of Lee and Madbury.During 2001-2003 it had a...
in Durham, New Hampshire
Durham, New Hampshire
As of the census of 2000, there were 12,664 people, 2,882 households, and 1,582 families residing in the town. The population density was 565.5 people per square mile . There were 2,923 housing units at an average density of 130.5 per square mile...
.
Jack and his wife, Lisa, own Fountainhead Production, a full-fledged HD production company in Simsbury, Connecticut
Simsbury, Connecticut
Simsbury is a suburban town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 23,234 at the 2000 census. The town was incorporated as Connecticut's twenty-first town in May 1670.-Early history:...
.