Sabres longtime Canadian broadcaster Rick Jeanneret dies at 81

The Sabres released a statement from Rick Jeanneret's family saying he died with his family by his side following a two-year battle with multi-organ failure. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images/File)Though Rick Jeanneret's booming, youthful voice has gone silent, his memory will remain cherished by generations of fans and NHL players who heard him call Buffalo Sabres games over a 51-year career.Messages of condolence paying tribute to the broadcaster affectionally nicknamed "RJ" and regarded as the voice of the Sabres began pouring in almost immediately after the team announced he had died on Thursday. He was 81.The Sabres released a statement from Jeanneret's family saying he died with his family by his side following a two-year battle with multi-organ failure."He will be loved forever," the statement said.Your voice will echo forever. Honoring and remembering the life and legacy of Rick Jeanneret.