FEATURE: Doc Emrick Sidebars

The following includes a series of stories about Mike Emrick told by both broadcasting colleagues as well as Devils fans.

EMMY AWARD-WINNING BROADCASTER GEORGE FALKOWSKI:

* DOC'S HAIR-RAISING ONE LINER: "When the Devils honored Doc at Prudential Center, I interviewed him for my news station. I referenced video I had of him in his first year calling Devils hockey and that I had video of him standing next to Peter Mahovlich; no doubt standing on some sort of riser. Doc said, 'The 1980s. Hair was a big thing then, so I bought some!'"
* EMRICK'S THEORY ON DOCTORATES: "At a morning skate sometime in the late 1980s, I asked Doc about the value of getting a PhD. I was a few years off earning my Masters and I thought it might be a good thing to just keep on going and get the PhD. Mike turned to me and said, in his steady, calm voice, 'George, save your money!'"

DOC'S BROADCASTING SIDEKICK, CHICO RESCH:

* THE HUMAN SIDE OF MIKE EMRICK: Red Wings legendary defenseman Nicklas Lindstrom was described as 'The Perfect Human Being.' Of all the great friends and people I've met in my life, Doc is the closest person to fit that description. He loved to laugh and enjoyed the humor and quirks of other people. But, always in a respectful manner. His foundation was based on his family and his Christian faith and his love of all things in life, especially hockey. As there is only one Wayne Gretzky, there is only one Doc Emrick."

DEVILS SEASON TICKET-HOLDER DOUG WHITEMAN:

* DOC GOES TO THE DOGS: "The side of Mike that many don't know is that of the animal-loving, dedicated husband. In the old Meadowlands Arena it was easy to drop by the broadcast table before games to have a quick word with Doc. During one of those chats I mentioned that one of our beloved pets had just passed away. It wasn't a week later that a heartfelt note and a book of comforting thoughts arrived to ease us through that time. Now he will have more time at home with his loved ones. It's a well-deserved retirement for the man who inspired the phrase, 'The nicest guy in hockey.' Which Doc was without a doubt!"

SREESHA VAMAN, NEW JERSEY RESIDENT AND HOCKEY FAN:

* HOW TO TREAT PEOPLE: Mike always treated everyone as equals. Didn't matter if you were Wayne Gretzky or the high school intern. He made you feel like you were on his team. I remember being with you at practice and with Mike. I never felt like a fly on the wall. Earlier this year I shared with Doc my son's impersonation, 'IT'S FFFIIIVVEE TO 2." Mike seemed genuinely tickled."
* DOC THE WORDSMITH: "Sportsnet counted 55 ways he says 'passes the puck.' Not to mention the one and two-word additional adjectives he drops in that make you chuckle. I still remember the puck being deflected into the first row of seats at MSG and Doc saying, '... and the puck goes off the ice and into those very expensive seats.' Then there's his wealth of knowledge of all leagues and his understanding to bring in key stats without bringing in irrelevant stats. Plus, his perfect timing to crescendo/decrescendo; his voice based on what's happening. As a puck-head, you feel like an expert is giving you the story. Truly a treasure."

ROB TAUB, JOURNALIST. HOCKEY REPORTER:

* AN ISLANDERS FAN LOVES HIS DEVILS BROADCASTS: "There was nothing better growing up than listening to Doc. When he did the Devils games on MSG, I knew I was in for a great night. Then, there was the night I met him in person. He spent ten minutes talking hockey with me. It was the single coolest moment for me; not just as a fan but as a media member. He also gave me some career advice that has stuck with me to this day. He was even gracious enough to take a picture with me even though he was in a tight pinch to catch a train. I won't ever forget that."

LARRY HIRSCH, EARLY DEVILS RADIO PLAY BY PLAY MAN:

* DOC, THE PINCH-HITTER. "Mike was doing games in Philly when I was working Devils radio. I was scheduled to do a New Jersey exhibition game and when I checked my calendar, it turned out that the game was on Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year which I observe. I got hold of Mike and asked him if he'd pinch-hit for me. Mensch(Good Person) that he is, Doc came through and I'll always remember his for that good deed."