By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA
Don Stevens has signed off the air at the close of a season countless times in his 58-year broadcasting career.
Hockey seasons, baseball seasons, soccer seasons, even pro tennis. Each time, there was the promise of what may lie ahead for the team the next season.
But on Sunday evening, Stevens simply said goodbye to the radio listeners on WGR Rochester and to those watching the video feed on Flo hockey.
Or tried to; the tears made it difficult for him to speak.
Stevens career on the mic came to end when the Toronto Marlies defeated the Amerks 4-2, winning the best-of-three play-in mini-round 2-1 and eliminating Rochester from the Calder Cup playoffs.
After calling more than 5,000 sporting events – and nearly 3,700 Amerks games since the 1986-87 season – Stevens has entered retirement. He had announced back in September that this would be his final season.
“A lot has come my way in the last few weeks,” Stevens said, “but let’s not ever forget it’s the team that provides the entertainment.”
Amerks fans would disagree. Stevens, too, has very much provided listening entertainment for four decades, which is why he is a member of the team’s Hall of Fame and certainly will be inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame sooner than later. He has passionately described the championship moments and the gut-wrenching defeats for generations of fans.
The realization that the end had come hit him hard during his post-game wrap-up with broadcast partner Andrew Mossbrooks.
“I could thank a hundred people a day for the rest of my life and never get to all the people I need to thank,” he said as he fought back tears.
“I am so blessed in this life, in this career, to have had what I’ve had. To the fans, I love all of you. Forever in the future, go Amerks.”
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