With the Blackhawks on pause, so is another familiar face

With the season on hold, it’s not just the Blackhawks are gone, it’s everything that comes with them. One of the things that we’re missing out on is the way some people can bring the game to life, like Pat Foley.

Pat Foley is basically the voice of the Chicago Blackhawks. Others have said just the same, and I have to agree. There are a few alternatives I could imagine, but generally speaking, Foley is it. He’s been around a long time and absolutely deserves his spot.

A good journalist is always present, but never obvious. If you read the news, you know someone had to write it, but it should never really be the journalist you hear in the article. The same goes for the broadcast booth.

We hear Foley. We know it’s him, but at the same time, it isn’t his personality that takes over the game. He’s simply become a reliable presence for the Blackhawks and has been for decades.

He’s certainly had his missteps, for which he’s publicly apologized. He’s courted controversy with some critical remarks about game start times. He’s also been inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame, something Blackhawk Up posted on back then.

There aren’t many ways his legacy could be much more highly regarded, but for those in Chicagoland, it’s worth noting that Foley “was inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame in 2002, joining local legends such as Lloyd Pettit, Jack Brickhouse and Harry Caray.” (NHL.com)

If you end up in the same club as Harry Caray, that says something.

You’ve probably watched the Blackhawks play a game, so chances are good you’ve heard Foley’s voice. You can set your watch to it, and here’s hoping his career goes for as long as he’s able to carry it on

In case you’re feeling nostalgic, here is a link to Foley’s tribute from the Blackhawks.