BREAKING NEWS: Emrick to Miss Winter Classic with Laryngitis

This news coming via an NBC Press Release:

CHICAGO — Dec. 31, 2008 — Hall of Fame broadcaster “Doc” Emrick will be unable to call tomorrow’s NHL Winter Classic due to laryngitis. Dave Strader, who is the play-by-play voice of the Phoenix Coyotes and has also worked for NBC Sports, will fill in for Emrick. 

“Last year’s game was a lifetime memory and I couldn’t wait to call this year’s game at Wrigely,” said Emrick. “I’m extremely disappointed but I know Dave will do a wonderful job.” 

NBC’s coverage of the Winter Classic begins at 1 p.m. ET tomorrow, New Year’s Day. Last season’s inaugural U.S. outdoor NHL event was the highest rated regular season NHL game in the United States in more than a decade.

Tough news for fans of Emrick around the NHL.  He had missed his Saturday Devils assignment for MSG Plus due to sickness, after leaving their game Friday with sickness.  It’s a shame for hockey fans everywhere, but at the same time, we know that Dave Strader is as good a hockey announcer not named Mike Emrick that you’ll find to call the game.  

Winter Classic Broadcast Team
Play by Play: Dave Strader
Color: Eddie Olczyk
Inside the Glass: Pierre McGuire and Darren Pang
Studio Host: Bob Costas
Studio Analyst: Mike Milbury