Legendary Red Wings PA Announcer Budd Lynch Dies

Legendary Detroit Red Wings public address announcer Budd Lynch has died at the age of 95.  I always loved his voice and how he delivered the game's information to the fans at Joe Louis Arena.  I thought he was the very best at what he did and that's why I often found myself trying to sound like him when I took over as public address announcer of the Atlanta Thrashers prior to the 2008-2009 season.

While with the Thrashers, I frequently thought about how cool it would be if I held the announcing position in Atlanta as long as Budd Lynch did in Detroit.  It made me happy to envision myself as an old man in Atlanta who had been the "Voice Of Blueland" for decades.  Sadly, the franchise relocated and became the Winnipeg Jets after the 2010-2011 season and most employees, including myself, were not invited to Canada.  I love that I had the chance to be a part of NHL hockey for three full seasons but the death of the Thrashers devastated me.  I miss that job every day, although my pain is eased a bit by the current NHL lockout.

Rest in peace, Budd Lynch.  His name belongs with Howe, Sawchuk, Abel, Lindsay, Delvecchio, Yzerman, Lidstrom and the rest of the all-time greats of Red Wings hockey. - Shaffee

BUDD LYNCH 1995 Stanley Cup Finals Game 1 Player Introductions...

SHAFFEE introducing the starting lineup for the Atlanta Thrashers in 2010.