Tom Larscheid Set to Retire

It was announced late yesterday that local hockey broadcaster and Canucks commentator Tom Larscheid is set to retire at the start of this coming NHL season.

“He was the colour-man on Vancouver hockey broadcasts for all but four NHL seasons since 1977, and for more than a generation of hockey fans Larscheid’s insight and instincts provided a blunt barometer of the team’s performance – good or bad.” [Canada.com]

The ever-enthusiastic “Tommy”, as fans and colleagues affectionately call him, has several Facebook and forum pages dedicated to some of his colourful quotes which are fun to browse. He’s passionate, has an infectious laugh, big bright smile, and he always has time to pose for a photo with me.

Larscheid’s character and enthusiasm will definitely be missed as he has been such a big part of Canucks hockey in Vancouver. Taking over will be Dave Tomlinson, former NHL player and current Team 1040 host.

I’m not going to lie, this quote from the Canada.com article got me pretty choked up:

“I’m grateful to the listeners and honoured to have worked with three of the very best play-by-play men in the business in Jim Robson, Jim Hughson and John Shorthouse. And Rick Ball is going to be right up there, too. I always called it the way I saw it and I had a lot of fun doing it. My only regret is I never got to say: `The Vancouver Canucks are Stanley Cup champions.’ ”