Don Earle
Don Earle | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Somerville, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | December 12, 1993 (aged 64) Westfield, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Occupation | Ice hockey broadcaster |
| Years active | 1949–1985 |
| Known for | Broadcasting for Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers |
Donald Earle Clement (March 29, 1929 – December 12, 1993) was a prominent American ice hockey broadcaster known for his work with the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers.
A native of Somerville, Massachusetts, Earle completed his education at Dedham High School followed by Grahm Junior College. After his service in the United States Coast Guard from 1949 to 1951, he embarked on a career in broadcasting, initially working at Brockton-based stations WBET and WOKW. He later transitioned to WKOX in Framingham, where he provided commentary for high school hockey contests.
In 1967, Earle was appointed as the play-by-play announcer for Boston Bruins games on WSBK-TV. His tenure coincided with the Bruins’ notable achievement of winning the Stanley Cup in 1970. The team's success and the extensive broadcast exposure increased Earle’s recognition within the Boston sports community, although his commentary style attracted considerable fan criticism. Notably, in 1971, he was met with boos while presenting Channel 38’s 7th Player Award, and he was subsequently released by WSBK-TV at the conclusion of that season. From 1971 until 1977, he served as both play-by-play announcer and analyst for the Philadelphia Flyers on WTAF, working alongside Gene Hart.
After concluding his role with the Flyers, Earle freelanced as a sportscaster covering the Colorado Rockies and the North American Soccer League before returning to Massachusetts in 1981. Between 1982 and 1985, he held the position of sports anchor at WGGB-TV in Springfield. Earle spent his final years residing in Westfield, Massachusetts, where he passed away in 1993.
External links
- Articles with short description
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- 1929 births
- 1993 deaths
- National Hockey League broadcasters
- Boston Bruins announcers
- Colorado Rockies (NHL) announcers
- North American Soccer League (1968–1984) commentators
- Philadelphia Flyers announcers
- People from Dedham, Massachusetts
- People from Westfield, Massachusetts
- Grahm Junior College alumni
- United States Coast Guard enlisted
- 20th-century American people