Mike “Doc” Emrick is the lead announcer on NBC for the national telecasts of its NHL games. He just won a remarkable sixth straight Emmy Award for outstanding Play-by-Play sports announcing. This achievement is made even more remarkable, because in 2011, Doc became the the first hockey announcer to win this Award. Now he has won 7 out of the last 9 years. He is in the NHL Hockey Hall of Fame.

A Love For Hockey Begins

Doc grew up in Michigan and began his love affair with hockey when his parents took him to an IHL game between the Fort Wayne Komets and the Muskegon Zephyrs on December 10, 1960. Doc shares that after that game he knew that he wanted to make hockey broadcasting his career vocation. He was only 14 years old at the time. He has been calling professional hockey games since 1973.

He is considered one of the very best hockey announcers of all-time. If you have heard him announce a game on NBC, you understand why he is so highly respected in the hockey world for his craft. I notice an ever-so-subtle extra excitement when he is calling a goal for the Detroit Red Wings. I think it’s related to his Michigan roots. But I don’t think he would ever admit that on a national telecast.

A Passion For Jesus Begins

Doc grew up in a Christian family. His mom was a Pastor’s daughter. When he was 8 or 9 years old he committed his life to Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. Doc shares that he could not imagine his life without Jesus. He and his wife Joyce have gone through the normal trials of life as well as some not-so-normal trials. He was diagnosed with cancer in 1990 when he was 44 years old. With the help of their faith in Christ, Doc and Joyce have been able to overcome health obstacles and the stresses of a public life to continue to serve Jesus. They seek to honor Christ in every area of life. And Christ has certainly honored them in the eyes of others.

Romans 8:28 has been a favourite verse of Doc. It reads: “And we know that God causes everything to work for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them”. Emrick admits that at times he has not been totally sure of the Lord’s purposes, but he has learned many life faith lessons from another Hall of Fame Broadcaster, the late Ernie Harwell. He was a great Christian mentor for Doc over the years. Ernie announced Detroit Tigers’ baseball games for decades.  He also was a follower of Jesus and co-founded the baseball chapel ministry, which has many chapters throughout the Major Leagues, as well as in the baseball minor leagues.

Doc and his wife seek to minister the gospel of Jesus through being compassionate and caring people. He is not ashamed of the gospel nor declaring to others that he is a follower of the crucified and risen Lord Jesus. May the Lord continue to shine through the Emricks. If you have a chance, please listen to Doc as he calls the Stanley Cup Finals this year again on NBC Television.

QOTD: Do you have a passion to make the name of Christ known through your vocation and everyday life?