Rimer is set to retire following the season after nearly 50 years broadcasting NHL hockey

The Florida Panthers honored original broadcaster Jeff Rimer on Thursday night at Amerant Bank Arena.

During a first period commercial break of Florida’s home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Panthers played a special tribute video to the franchise’s first play-by-play voice.

After departing Florida, Rimer has manned the Blue Jackets’ broadcast booth for the past 20 years.

He and Hall of Fame defenseman Dennis Potvin were Florida’s inaugural talking heads.

They started during the Panthers first season in 1993 and remained in place until the lockout in 2004.

Check out the special tribute video below: 

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