When John Davidson’s hockey career ended at the age of 29, he wanted to stay involved in the game, and on Tuesday, that led him to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Davidson got into broadcasting and is this year’s winner of the Hall of Fame’s Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster.
“It’s a tad overwhelming,” Davidson said. “More than just a tad. It’s overwhelming and it’s humbling.”
After Davidson’s playing career ended in 1983, he went to work as an analyst with MSG in New York, then the CBC in Canada, then back to MSG and then with various networks that were televising games. He’s worked the past five Olympic Games. In 2004, he received the Lester Patrick Award for his contribution to American hockey.
“I’m fortunate,” he said. “I’ve had a chance to see the world and take my family along with me. I use the analogy that television is like playing the game. You have people who produce and direct and they’re like coaches and GMs. Everyone does a job to get the game on TV. I’m lucky to have had a chance to do that.”
Davidson gave up broadcasting for hockey management in 2006, taking Dave Checketts’ offer to run the Blues. The Blues made the playoffs this season for the first time since 2004.
This year’s Hockey Hall of Fame inductees will be announced on June 23. Among those eligible for the first time this year is Brett Hull.