Hockey world reacts to legendary broadcaster Bob Ridley's retirement

Ridley , crossed paths at the beginning of his hockey career.Ridley began working for the Tigers in 1970. McDonald joined the team a year later.

More READ: Medicine Hat Tigers Announce Legendary Hockey Broadcaster Bob Ridley Retires

McDonald Leaves Medicine Hat to Start Ridley in Hockey World , an illustrious NHL career while not only calling the game, but also serving as a bus driver and a coach to players. I had a way to cheer you up," McDonald said.

"He asked for an interview. Just by talking to him, he found a way to boost that confidence and get back on track."

Head of the Tigers from 2002 until 2010 he led the team as his coach and general manager. Manager Willie Desjardins said.

"In the old days, players would come and sit in the driver's seat," he recalls Desjardins. . "In the middle of the night, if (if) I couldn't sleep, they would come over and talk to him."[57][58] Ridley's generosity and advice were not limited to the Tigers organization. His fellow WHL broadcaster Dustin Forbes has relied on Ridley's experience throughout his own career.

"He was a great tutor and a great friend," said Forbes, who is a play-by-play on the Hurricanes of Lethbridge.

"Meeting, interacting and becoming very good friends is definitely the highlight of my career," said Ridley.

Ridley's work ethic stands out from his peers.

On Wednesday, he remembered how he came to play-by-play for the Tigers, carving out a career on local radio and television while driving the team's bus for over 40 years. I came.

"They were looking for a bus driver in his 1973. They said, 'Will you drive the bus because we have to go with you anyway?' I was thinking," Ridley said.

"The most incredible thing for me is not that he lived so long, It's a success, he had, but how hard-working he was," Forbes said.

"Playing the game, driving the bus, after the game the last thing I want to worry about is driving, not to mention being responsible for the other 28 people, I understand

Ridley retired after appearing in 4,022 regular-season and playoff games for the Tigers and has multiple honors, including a 2006 WHL Distinguished Service Award and a 2011 Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame inductee. has won an award.

In his 51st season in his first appearance at the U.S. Women's Curling Championship in 1972, he missed only one of his matches.

"This was my job and what I wanted to do, so I couldn't imagine missing the game," Ridley said.

This year, the Tigers unveiled a banner honoring Ridley at Corp Place, the hockey club's arena.

Ridley said he enjoys spending time away from the broadcast booth, spending more time with his family and riding long distances on his beloved bike.

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