Johnny Esaw, Canadian sports TV pioneer, dead at 87

[Dion]

Legendary Canadian sports broadcaster and former CTV executive Johnny Esaw has died at the age of 87.

Esaw died in Toronto Saturday after suffering from respiratory problems.
During his 40-year career, Esaw was at the forefront of Canadian sports broadcasting and was known for his work broadcasting football, figure skating, international hockey and Olympic events.

Phil King, president of CTV programming and sports, said in a statement that Esaw was a “pioneer in his field and a relentless champion of Canadian amateur sports.”

“His contributions to the CFL, figure skating, and the Olympic Games in Canada rank with those of the finest sports broadcast leaders in the country,” King said. “He will be truly missed.”

http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/johnny-esa...e-87-1.1227852

Probably best known for his famous interview with Phil Esposito after game 4 of the 72 Summit series against the Russians.

[transplant99]

Very unique guy in as far as style of broadcasting goes...unmistakable when you heard/saw him.

RIP Johnny.

[Northendzone]

i miss hearing old school guys like johnny, ron ruesch and don wittman......

[Cowperson]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

i miss hearing old school guys like johnny, ron ruesch and don wittman......

Can't say they were necessarily my favourite guys but they were definitely at the centre of Canadian sports broadcasting for decades, defining it and shaping it for the generation that followed. If you are of a certain age, you'll have known all of them very well, particularly on the football side. They'll be missed.

Cowperson