Jim Robson

Jim Robson, the legendary voice of the Vancouver Canucks for nearly three decades, passed away on February 10, 2026, at the age of 91. A beloved figure in Canadian sports broadcasting, Robson's distinctive voice and insightful commentary became synonymous with hockey in British Columbia, leaving an indelible mark on generations of fans. His passing marks the end of an era for many who grew up listening to his calls of pivotal moments in Canucks history.

Born on January 17, 1935, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Robson began his remarkable 47-year career in radio at the tender age of 17 in Port Alberni, British Columbia. He honed his skills covering various local sports before moving to Vancouver in 1956, where he broadcast games for the BC Lions, Vancouver Mounties, and the Western Hockey League's Vancouver Canucks. When the Canucks joined the National Hockey League as an expansion team in 1970, Robson was there from their very first game, becoming the iconic "Voice of the Canucks" on CKNW radio.

Robson's talent extended beyond local broadcasts; he also lent his expertise to CBC's Hockey Night in Canada, covering four Stanley Cup Finals and five NHL All-Star Games. Nationally, he is perhaps best remembered for his call of Bob Nystrom's Stanley Cup-winning overtime goal in 1980. Locally, his voice was the soundtrack to every significant Canucks moment throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, including their memorable runs to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1982 and 1994. He was known for his meticulous preparation and his warm, engaging style, often welcoming "all the shut-ins, the pensioners, the blind, and all of those people who can't get out to watch hockey games" to his broadcasts.

His lifelong dedication to his craft and profound impact on the sport were recognized with numerous accolades. Robson received the prestigious Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992, an honor that cemented his place among broadcasting's elite. He was further inducted into the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame in 1998, the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame in 2000, and the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Broadcast Hall of Fame in 2002. In tribute to his legacy, the broadcast booth at Rogers Arena, home of the Vancouver Canucks, bears his name.

Robson retired from full-time broadcasting in April 1999, after calling more than 2,000 NHL games. Even in retirement, he remained a beloved figure, often attending Canucks games and connecting with fans. In 2011, he was appointed to the Order of British Columbia, the province's highest civilian honor, further solidifying his status as a true provincial treasure. Jim Robson's voice will forever echo in the memories of hockey fans, a testament to his unparalleled career and enduring love for the game.