Whenever Brad Gushue views the footage of his memorable shot that secured his initial Canadian men’s curling championship in 2017, featuring TSN’s Vic Rauter’s commentary, he continues to experience a rush of excitement.
“His commentary exceptionally captured the essence of the event, detailing the atmosphere within the venue. He generated anticipation even before I took my position,” Gushue remarked. “It was truly a masterful performance. Not everyone possesses the ability to perform as Vic did.
“Often, when observing television commentary, people assume its simplicity. However, its seeming effortlessness stems from his exceptional skill.”
After providing commentary for over four decades on the network’s curling broadcasts, Rauter is set to conclude his career following this week’s world men’s curling championship held in Ogden, Utah.
On Thursday, TSN disclosed Rauter’s intentions via a press statement honoring the well-regarded announcer, recognized for his iconic “Make the final …” phrase. Rauter, approaching his 72nd birthday in May, stated that “the opportune moment has arrived to depart” after a 53-year broadcasting career.
“I feel somewhat akin to my cherished TSN cap,” he shared on X, the platform previously known as Twitter. “A bit weathered … with edges showing wear … yet still functional. Nevertheless, the time has come. My gratitude.”
Originally from Toronto, he became part of TSN in 1985, merely twelve months after the network’s inception. His involvement extended beyond curling, encompassing commentary for MLS, NHL, MLB, gridiron football, motorsport, ice skating, ten-pin bowling, racketball, test cricket, and horseback riding.
Throughout his tenure, he covered nine Olympic competitions and six FIFA global soccer tournaments.
“Vic represents a legendary figure in Canadian sports commentary, and his outstanding contributions serve as an invaluable model for any hopeful broadcaster envisioning a career in front of a microphone,” stated Shawn Redmond, who holds the position of vice-president and general manager at Bell Media Sports.
“From all of us at TSN, we express our gratitude to Vic for his remarkable input into the network, and we extend our warmest wishes for his future retirement.”
Flawless Brier Commentary
On Thursday, the channel published a “Vic Rauter Moments” Top 10 compilation, featuring diverse content ranging from a sheep shearing contest, his appearances in short segments, to Gushue’s successful Brier delivery in St. John’s.
Gushue, having retired last month, mentioned his intention to present the video segment, accompanied by Rauter’s commentary, during his public engagements.
That evening in St. John’s, an palpable atmosphere of suspense filled the crowded venue as spectators observed their local champion striving to secure his inaugural Brier title. Rauter flawlessly delivered the commentary in his distinct style.
“A significant drag is happening, conditions are chilling!” Rauter exclaimed as Gushue’s fellow players vigorously cleared the stone’s trajectory while the audience collectively paused. “A complete eight [foot] is essential. A complete eight is essential to claim the title of Canadian curling champions!”
His synchronization was perfect.
“In my opinion, his commentary amplified the excitement considerably,” Gushue stated from Sudbury, Ont. “Evidently, it was a pivotal juncture, a critical throw, a significant crescendo as the stone traveled across the ice. Yet, for a television viewer, it felt even more impactful, I believe, due to Vic’s vocal delivery and how he conveyed that emotion.
“And hearing that every instance I showcase the footage in my presentations, I experience goosebumps solely from the vigor he projects.”
Rauter commenced his career in media in February 1973 at CFTR Radio, serving as a journalist covering news and sports, prior to moving to Toronto’s Global Television Network and subsequently CBC.
“As a 19-year-old commencing employment at a radio station directly after graduation, one cannot possibly envision this current milestone. Nevertheless, following an extraordinary 53-year tenure in broadcasting, and with this curling four-year cycle concluding, I have concluded that now is the appropriate juncture to retire,” Rauter declared.
Rauter’s Meticulous Planning Impresses
Russ Howard, his colleague in broadcasting and a celebrated athlete who has functioned as a curling commentator since 2009, expressed consistent admiration for Rauter’s thorough readiness.
“People don’t grasp the extent of this individual’s efforts,” Howard remarked from Toronto. “The sheer volume of data he possesses about everyone, every subject, every location, every ice sheet, you name it, is astonishing.
“I’d estimate only a tenth of that material is broadcast during the show, owing to his professionalism. He understands precisely when to incorporate information and when to omit it.”
Since 1986, Rauter has commentated on every occurrence of the Canadian men’s and women’s curling championship, with the sole exception of 2006 when CBC held the broadcast privileges.
“His enduring impact will persist for an extended period,” commented Mike Harris, a curling announcer for Sportsnet and CBC, speaking from Ogden, Utah. “Anyone stepping into his role will face a significant challenge.”
TSN has not yet disclosed the roster for its upcoming season’s broadcast personnel.
In addition to Rauter’s well-known concluding statement, he frequently incorporated other distinctive phrases into his curling commentary.
“Tally Them!” served as a common expression during high-scoring rounds, while “Goodness Gracious!” was reserved for astonishing plays.
“He possesses a superb vocal quality, excellent intonation, and another aspect that often goes unrecognized is his impeccable sense of timing,” Howard explained. “He masters the use of silences. He understands when to moderate the pace.
“He never hurries anything, and his enthusiasm is utterly authentic when the stone connects … he is truly unparalleled.”
