Doc Emrick Interview about Hockey and Retirement
Bob interviews Doc Emrick about hockey and retirement. Michael "Doc" Emrick (born 8/1/46) a retired American network television play-by-play sportscaster and commentator is known mostly for his work in hockey. He was the lead announcer for NHL national telecasts on both NBC and NBCSN.
Key Takeaways
- Work with a qualified financial advisor early in your career—Doc's advisor got him into investment plans 35 years ago and crucially moved him out of the market in 2008 before the financial crisis, positioning him to retire comfortably without relying on book or memorabilia sales
- Retire to something, not just from something—Doc has concrete plans: organizing his hockey guide collection for eventual sale with proceeds to local animal charities, spending time with his wife and pets, and writing occasional essays for NBC to stay mentally engaged
- Know when it's the right time to retire by checking multiple factors: age, health status, ability to perform at your best, and willingness to leave while still healthy rather than coasting—Doc retired at 50 years into his sport while still capable of doing excellent work
- Negotiate early career opportunities strategically, even at modest pay—Doc's first job at $160/week ($2/hour) taught him valuable lessons about the industry; starting in minor leagues builds foundational skills and connections that matter throughout your career
- Have a succession plan to stay connected to your field in retirement—Doc negotiated to continue writing occasional essays for NBC, which helps him adjust to retirement while maintaining relationships with colleagues and staying engaged with the sport he loves
Bob Powell, aka Mr. Retirement, interviews Doc Emrick about hockey and retirement. Michael "Doc" Emrick, a retired American network television play-by-play sportscaster and commentator, is known mostly for his work in hockey as a play-by-play announcer for National Hockey League (NHL) games. Doc Emrick was the lead announcer for NHL national telecasts on both NBC and NBCSN and is widely regarded as one of the best and most respected hockey announcers ever. Emrick has called numerous high-profile hockey events, including multiple Stanley Cup Finals and Winter Olympic Games. He is known for his knowledge of the game, enthusiasm and passion for hockey, and smooth, professional delivery.
Emrick earned a B.Sc. from Manchester University and a M.A. in radio/television from Miami University. He then received a PhD in communications (radio/television/film) from Bowling Green State University, hence the nickname, "Doc". Among the awards Doc Emrick has received is the NHL's Lester Patrick Award, making him the first of only 5 to have received the award for media work, and the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award by the Hockey Hall of Fame. Doc Emrick also won 9 Emmy Awards for excellence in sports broadcasting. Emrick is a founding member of the NHL Pronunciation Guide, which is used as a guide for all NHL broadcasters for some of hockey's most difficult names.
Doc is known for employing an unusual vocabulary to describe hockey play-by-play, referring to a goalie's equipment as "paraphernalia", for example. During line changes or clearings, Emrick will often discuss interesting facts about a player's personal life, hockey records, or other facts about the player. Emrick spent some time as a football announcer, calling a handful of NFL (National Football League) games for CBS in the early 1990's. Doc also taught speech and broadcasting at Geneva College.
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