AJR220

A Joint Resolution designating October 19th of each year as “Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick Day” in New Jersey.

Whereas, Mike “Doc” Emrick was born on August 1st, 1946, in La Fontaine, Indiana and at age 14 decided to pursue a career broadcasting hockey; and

Whereas, After receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in speech and radio television, Mike Emrick received a Ph.D. in Broadcasting Communications from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, earning him the nickname “Doc”; and

Whereas, Following several years of broadcasting lower tier professional hockey matches, Dr. Emrick became the play-by-play announcer for the National Hockey League’s New Jersey Devils; and

Whereas, During his 21 year career as the Devil’s play-by-play announcer, Dr. Emrick became well known for his mastery of the English language and his use of humor to describe hockey and made the sport accessible to millions of fans across the country; and

Whereas, In addition to announcing New Jersey Devils matches, Dr. Emrick was involved in announcing the Stanley Cup Finals, several NHL All-Star Games, and several hockey matches at the Olympic Games; and

Whereas, As a founding member and President of the National Hockey League Pronunciation Guide, Dr. Emrick contributed to the National Hockey League and the profession of sports broadcasting by ensuring all players have their names properly pronounced; and

Whereas, In 2011, Dr. Emrick became the first broadcaster to be inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, and was inducted into an additional six halls of fame and has received numerous other awards and accolades; and

Whereas, Dr. Emrick announced his retirement on October 19, 2020, after an illustrious career that included announcing over 3,750 hockey matches as well as football and college basketball games; and

Whereas, A 1991 cancer diagnosis deepened Dr. Emrick’s reputation among fans and colleagues as a kind and generous person through his offerings of support to other survivors and inspiring outlook on life; and

Whereas, Offering mentorship and guidance, Dr. Emrick has become an advocate and role model to up and coming broadcasters of all ages; and

Whereas, It is fitting and proper for the State of New Jersey to honor Mike “Doc” Emrick on the anniversary of his retirement announcement by designating October 19th of each year as “Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick Day”; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. October 19th of each year is designated as “Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick Day” in New Jersey.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe “Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick Day” with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution designates October 19th of each year as “Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick Day” in New Jersey. Mike “Doc” Emrick announced his retirement from broadcasting on October 19th, 2020. At age 14, Mike “Doc” Emrick decided to have a career in hockey. After receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in speech and radio television, Mike Emrick received a Ph.D. in Broadcasting Communications and became known as “Doc.”

Doc Emrick began his career broadcasting lower tier professional hockey matches and then became the play-by-play announcer for the National Hockey League’s New Jersey Devils, a position he held for 21 seasons. During that time, Doc Emrick became well known for his mastery of the English language and his humor, making hockey feel more accessible to fans.

Doc Emrick’s career also included announcing the Stanley Cup Finals, NHL All-Star Games, and several Olympic hockey matches, as well as being a founder member and president of the National Hockey League Pronunciation Guide. This work was recognized within the industry, leading Doc Emrick to be the first broadcaster inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, as well as earning him many other awards and accolades. Doc Emrick has offered support and inspiration to a new generation of up and coming broadcasters, as well as fellow cancer survivors through his guidance, advocacy, support, and inspirational outlook on life.