More than 40 years as a major voice in Canadian curling
TSN Sports curling play-by-play icon Vic Rauter has announced his retirement following a distinguished career that has spanned 53 years.
“When you’re a 19-year-old walking into a job at a radio station right out of college, you just can’t fathom this moment,” said Rauter in a statement. “But after an amazing 53 years on the air, and as this curling quadrennial comes to a close, I’ve made the decision that this is the right time to step away.
Rauter (left) with his current analysts“I’m so grateful for the many doors that have opened for me, most of all getting the chance to spend more than 40 years covering curling for this network.
“I’ve been blessed to be associated with this sport for so long. I started with the Canadian Mixed Curling Championship in Kamloops in 1986, and we’ve since watched it grow into a truly international game, being played at the highest level around the world.
“I’d like to express a sincere thank you to all the fans who have watched us over the years, to my incredibly talented colleagues, and the wonderful friends I’ve made along the way. It’s been truly unforgettable, and I’ll cherish the memories always.”
Rauter’s final broadcast will be the world men’s curling championship final this coming Saturday, Apr. 4.
Raised in Toronto, Rauter began his broadcasting career in 1973 at CFTR Radio as a news and sports reporter, before joining Toronto’s Global Television Network, followed by the CBC.
Rauter joined TSN in September 1985, and has since made contributions to nearly every live sporting event on the network, including coverage of MLS, NHL, MLB (including the Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Expos), Formula 1, soccer, figure skating, bowling, cricket, equestrian and Olympic Games (nine in total).
Rauter, Moore and Turnbull in the 1990sRauter’s very first curling analyst was former Brier champion Ray Turnbull of Winnipeg. Soon, 1988 demonstration Olympic champion Linda Moore was added to create a devoted curling broadcast threesome.
Recent colleagues have included Cheryl Bernard, Russ Howard, Cathy Gauthier and Joanne Courtney.
“For more than five decades, Vic Rauter has been a recognizable voice to Canadian sports fans across the country,” said Shawn Redmond, Vice President and General Manager, Bell Media Sports.
“Along the way, Vic has led live coverage on TSN of almost every sport on our schedule, including nine Olympic Games, six FIFA World Cups, as well as hockey, baseball, and of course, as the voice of TSN’s Season of Champions curling.
“Vic is an icon of sports broadcasting in Canada, and his exceptional work is a valuable example to any aspiring broadcaster who dreams of spending their career behind the mic. On behalf of everyone at TSN, we thank Vic for his incredible contributions to the network, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”