Canucks Icon Jim Robson Passes Away at 89: A Voice That Defined Generations of Hockey Fans
The Vancouver Canucks - and the entire hockey world - are mourning the loss of a true broadcasting legend. Jim Robson, the longtime voice of the Canucks and one of the most iconic figures in Canadian sports media, has passed away at the age of 89.
For nearly five decades, Robson was more than just a play-by-play announcer - he was the soundtrack to Canucks hockey. From the moment the team entered the NHL as an expansion franchise in 1970, Robson was there, calling their very first game and setting the tone for what would become a storied relationship between a city, a team, and its most trusted voice.
Over the course of his remarkable 47-year career, Robson called more than 2,000 NHL games on both radio and television. That staggering number includes four Stanley Cup Finals, five NHL All-Star Games, and 30 years’ worth of Canucks games - each one delivered with his signature clarity, poise, and deep understanding of the game.
Robson’s voice wasn’t just familiar - it was foundational. For fans growing up in British Columbia, especially during the 1980s when Canucks games were often limited to a single televised broadcast each week, Robson’s radio calls weren’t just an alternative - they were the game. His descriptions were so vivid, so precise, that listeners could practically see the puck glide across the ice just by hearing his words.
His impact on the sport and the province didn’t go unnoticed. Robson was inducted into both the B.C.
Hockey Hall of Fame and the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame.
In 2011, he was awarded the Order of British Columbia - one of the province’s highest honors - recognizing not just his professional achievements, but the way he connected with generations of fans.
The tributes that have poured in since the news of his passing reflect just how deeply Robson’s voice is woven into the fabric of hockey in Vancouver. Broadcaster Rick Dhaliwal summed it up simply and powerfully: “Nobody described a game better. Simply the best there ever was.”
Robson’s legacy isn’t just about the games he called - it’s about the memories he helped create. For countless fans, his voice is tied to some of the most emotional moments in Canucks history: the heartbreaks, the triumphs, the unforgettable playoff runs. He brought those moments to life with a style that was informed, passionate, and always respectful of the game.
As the Canucks community reflects on Robson’s incredible contributions, one thing is clear - he wasn’t just a broadcaster. He was a part of the team, a part of the city, and a part of the lives of anyone who ever tuned in to hear him call a game.
Jim Robson leaves behind a legacy that goes far beyond the broadcast booth. He gave fans a front-row seat to history, and in doing so, became a legend in his own right.