Remembering Fred Cusick The Voice of the Boston Bruins | IXGAMES

Not everyone who matters in a game is right in court or in the case of NHL, on the ice, to be considered important. There are those who contribute to the game in their own way. Fans, of course, provide the needed energy and inspiration for the players to keep on going. There are coaches who train the athletes, cultivating their discipline and enhancing their skills. Others, however, make the news of the game spread. There are also those who had to yell “score” after a goal. Fred Cusick had that sort of role, as voice of the Boston Bruins. He had served the Bruins for four decades both in the radio and television. He recently died at the age of 90 on September 15. According to his son, Ted, Fred died in his Barnstable Massachussetts home after battling with cancer. He was to be inducted in the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame the following day.

Cusick’s long career:

In 1952, Cusick began his career as Bruins radio broadcaster. In 1971, he still called games for the team but moved to television. His career as Bruins broadcaster ended in 1997. During his long career as broadcaster, Cusick was able to participate in a momentous event in NHL history. He was the one who called the 1970 Boston’s Stanley Cup Championships. That event was one of the city’s most memorable moments. It was symbolized by Bobby Orr’s photograph when he was captured in mid-air after a triumphant goal that won the game. That moment was also Cusick’s career highlight. The broadcaster considered Orr NHL’s greatest.

The former coach and general manager of the Boston Bruins and now the team owner’s senior adviser, Harry Sinden, considers the late broadcaster a very important part of the team’s history. In fact, Cusick was the recipient of the Lester Patrick award. This award is given by the NHL to major contributors to the sport. Many of the ways hockey was broadcasted was Cusick’s idea. He had so many ideas on how to present the sport. Cusick was a true sports fan who was very enthusiastic and genuine about his job. His son also said that Fred was still able to enjoy the recent exciting NFL game between the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills. Cusick also covered other sports during his lifetime although he was better known for being a hockey broadcaster.

Cusick’s genuine interest was deeply rooted. As a college student of Northwestern University, he used to play three sports: hockey, baseball and football. Born in 1918 to Irish immigrants, Fred Cusick was able to serve the United States as a Navy reserve right after graduating in 1942. He retired as captain. The NHL broadcaster was survived by his wife Barbara, son Ted and three daughters.

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