WATCH: Sidney Crosby's heartfelt message after Bob Cole's death

By Anjum Rajonno

Modified Apr 28, 2024 03:11 GMT

The entire sports community was struck by a sense of loss with the passing of Bob Cole. Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby shared a heartfelt tribute in memory of the ‘Voice of hockey’.

In a recently posted video, Crosby spoke highly of the legendary commentator and shared his honest admiration for Cole. He reminisced about some of Cole's iconic commentary and how that has become inseparable from some of the greatest moments in hockey history.

“The big thing with him is he always wanted it to be about the game. And that being said, he still had really high expectations of himself, and he wanted to do it perfectly,” Crosby said. “And I know that just his story of how he got into it and how he continued to want to learn and get better and improve, I think just speaks volumes to how long he did it for and how good he was.”

He referenced Cole’s commentary on Kris Letang’s goal against the Ottawa Senators assisted by Crosby, in the third period of Game 2 during the first round of playoffs in 2010.

“The one against Ottawa, I had the puck for a while. I was circling back and forth and ended up passing to Tanger [Letang]. Tanger ended up scoring the goal, but it was just really cool the way he [Bob Cole] built it up. He could tell by the emotion of his voice, and he was setting it up that eventually it was going to go in. I didn't score it, but I think that goal and just the excitement and what he added to it was, it was pretty cool.”

Crosby finished the video on an emotional note. He thanked Bob Cole for his legendary contributions to hockey commentary and expressed personal gratitude for their friendship.

“You are the voice of hockey, and like so many, my family crowded around the TV to listen to your calls. When I think of hockey's greatest moments, it's you narrating them. I will always cherish our friendship along with your wisdom and grit. I'm grateful for all the chats, the time we spent together over the years, and countless memories you gave to so many.”

Crosby offered heartfelt thanks to Cole for sharing his remarkable gift, confident that his legacy would endure.

“Your best gift might have been how you could draw us into every game and make us feel a part of every moment through your passion and grace. Years later, the simple sound of your voice brings me back to an exact time and place. Thank you for sharing your gift to the world. Your legacy will live on forever, my friend,” Crosby concluded.

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Throwback to Bob Cole’s iconic commentary on Sidney Crosby’s puck play against Ottawa

Sidney Crosby’s legendary puck play in the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs against Ottawa has been a fan-favorite moment in the history of the sport and Bob Cole was the man in the chair.

Despite being tightly checked by Senators defensemen Andy Sutton and Jason Spezza, Crosby remained composed and showcased his magic in a sequence of exceptional play behind the Ottawa net.

Unable to find an open teammate, Crosby improvised, curling back to the side of the net before making a remarkable pass from his knees to Kris Letang at the point.

Letang, left wide open with all attention on Crosby, capitalized on the opportunity and scored from the blue line.

Here’s Bob Cole’s iconic commentary of the play and the subsequent goal:

"Crosby went in to steal it, takes it around the net. Sidney Crosby coming out, tied up, gets loose again, shakes off that check, goes the other way. Crosby owning the puck, trying to get out front of the net. Crosby does get out on his knees, got it back. The fires, scores. What a goal by Crosby and LATANG! Give Crosby a couple of assists on that one. Oh, baby.”

Bob Cole may be gone, but his legacy will ‘live on forever’ just like Sidney Crosby said.