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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF PAT FOLEY
WHEREAS, Chicago Blackhawks broadcaster, and Glenview resident, Pat Foley called his final game on April 14, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Pat Foley is synonymous with Chicago Blackhawks hockey, announcing for the team on both TV and radio for 39 years; and
WHEREAS, Pat Foley attended Michigan State University where he graduated with a telecommunications degree; and
WHEREAS, Pat Foley’s first play-by-play announcing experience was for women’s basketball; and
WHEREAS, Pat Foley’s first broadcaster job was for the Grand Rapids Owls, a Minor Professional hockey team playing in the International Hockey League; and
WHEREAS, a jack of all trades, Pat Foley also handled public relations and sales for the Grand Rapids Owls; and
WHEREAS, Pat Foley made his Blackhawks broadcasting debut for the sixth game of the 1980-81 season at the age of 26, the same night Stan Mikita’s jersey was retired by the Blackhawks; and
WHEREAS, Pat Foley gained adoration and respect from fans for his detailed descriptions of plays on the ice and his iconic signature calls too numerous to count; and
WHEREAS, Pat Foley was inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame in 2002, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014; and
WHEREAS, Pat Foley won five Emmys for his excellence in calling live hockey games; and
WHEREAS, Pat Foley celebrated working his final Blackhawks game with a family pregame celebration on center ice and a special postgame tribute by players and fans of his storied career; and
WHEREAS, during his final Blackhawks announcer duties, Pat Foley gave heartfelt thanks to Blackhawks fans and the Blackhawks organization for his 39 years of broadcasting; and
WHEREAS, Pat Foley describes his career as a “fairy tale,” getting to broadcast in his hometown for a team he loved; and
WHEREAS, Pat Foley’s passion and dedication has been recognized by fans, players, and colleagues alike; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby honor Pat Foley on his retirement from a long and successful career as the voice of Chicago Blackhawks where he was beloved by all; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and a suitable copy of the same be tendered to Pat Foley as a means of conveying our thanks and congratulations. “Hawks win!”
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