Introduction
Edgar Lee "Ted" Darling (June 9, 1935 – December 19, 1996) was the original "Voice of the Buffalo Sabres" ice hockey team for twenty-two seasons, calling the team's games on television from the team's inaugural season in 1970 to 1991. Prior to his work with the Sabres, he hosted Hockey Night in Canada telecasts from Montreal.
In October of 1991, Darling was diagnosed with Pick's disease an Alzheimer's-like degenerative illness, and thus, was on medical leave from October 16 to November 20. He returned to call 6 more games before being relieved of his duties by the executive producer of Sabres broadcasts, Paul Wieland, on December 12, 1991 - Darling called a total of 11 games during the 1991-92 season. Darling was brought back, however, as a studio analyst for games on WUTV in the 1992-93 season before announcing his retirement. After a five-year battle with the illness, he eventually died on December 19, 1996 at the age of 61.
Awards and accolades
- Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1994.
- Inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.
- Inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2002.
- The press box at KeyBank Center is named the "Ted Darling Memorial Press Box" in his honor.
Memorable calls
When the Great Lakes Blizzard of 1977 hit the city of Buffalo, Darling called a game between the Sabres and Montreal Canadiens at the Montreal Forum from his apartment—phoning in his commentary while watching the action on his television.