Designates October 19th of each year as "Mike 'Doc' Emrick Day" in NJ.

AJR132

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION

No. 132

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

222nd LEGISLATURE

�

INTRODUCED FEBRUARY 19, 2026

Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman� CAROL A. MURPHY

District 7 (Burlington)

SYNOPSIS

���� Designates October 19th of each year as �Mike �Doc�
Emrick Day� in NJ.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

���� As introduced.

��

A Joint
Resolution
designating October 19th of each
year as �Mike �Doc� Emrick Day� in New Jersey.

Whereas,

Mike �Doc� Emrick was born on August 1st, 1946, in La Fontaine, Indiana and at
age 14 decided to pursue a career broadcasting hockey; and

Whereas,

After receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in speech and
radio television, Mike Emrick received a Ph.D. in Broadcasting Communications
from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, earning him the nickname �Doc�;
and

Whereas,

Following several years of broadcasting lower tier professional hockey matches,
Dr. Emrick became the play-by-play announcer for the National Hockey League�s
New Jersey Devils; and

Whereas,

During his 21 year career as the Devil�s play-by-play announcer, Dr. Emrick
became well known for his mastery of the English language and his use of humor
to describe hockey and made the sport accessible to millions of fans across the
country; and

Whereas,

In addition to announcing New Jersey Devils matches, Dr. Emrick was involved in
announcing the Stanley Cup Finals, several NHL All-Star Games, and several
hockey matches at the Olympic Games; and

Whereas,

As a founding member and President of the National Hockey League Pronunciation
Guide, Dr. Emrick contributed to the National Hockey League and the profession
of sports broadcasting by ensuring all players have their names properly
pronounced; and

Whereas,

In 2011, Dr. Emrick became the first broadcaster to be inducted into the United
States Hockey Hall of Fame, and he was inducted into an additional six halls of
fame and has received numerous other awards and accolades; and

Whereas,

Dr. Emrick announced his retirement on October 19, 2020, after an illustrious
career that included announcing over 3,750 hockey matches as well as football
and college basketball games; and

Whereas,

A 1991 cancer diagnosis deepened Dr. Emrick�s reputation among fans and
colleagues as a kind and generous person through his offerings of support to
other survivors and inspiring outlook on life; and

Whereas,

Offering mentorship and guidance, Dr. Emrick has become an advocate and role
model to up and coming broadcasters of all ages; and

Whereas,

It is fitting and proper for the State of New Jersey to honor Mike �Doc� Emrick
on the anniversary of his retirement announcement by designating October 19th
of each year as �Mike �Doc� Emrick Day�; now, therefore,

����
Be It
Resolved
by the Senate and General Assembly of
the State of New Jersey:

���� 1.��� October 19th of each year is designated as
�Mike �Doc� Emrick Day� in New Jersey.

���� 2.��� The Governor is respectfully requested to
annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of
this State to observe �Mike �Doc� Emrick Day� with appropriate activities and
programs.

���� 3.��� This joint resolution
shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

���� This joint resolution
designates October 19th of each year as �Mike �Doc� Emrick Day� in New Jersey.�
Mike �Doc� Emrick announced his retirement from broadcasting on October 19th,
2020.� At age 14, Mike �Doc� Emrick decided to have a career in hockey
broadcasting.� After receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in speech and
radio television, Mike Emrick received a Ph.D. in Broadcasting Communications and
became known as �Doc.�

���� Doc Emrick began his career
broadcasting lower tier professional hockey matches and then became the
play-by-play announcer for the National Hockey League�s New Jersey Devils, a
position he held for 21 seasons.� During that time, Doc Emrick became well known
for his mastery of the English language and his humor, making hockey feel more
accessible to fans.

���� Doc Emrick�s career also
included announcing the Stanley Cup Finals, NHL All-Star Games, and several
Olympic hockey matches, as well as being a founder member and president of the
National Hockey League Pronunciation Guide.� This work was recognized within
the industry, leading Doc Emrick to be the first broadcaster inducted into the
United States Hockey Hall of Fame, as well as earning him many other awards and
accolades.� Doc Emrick has offered support and inspiration to a new generation
of up and coming broadcasters, as well as fellow cancer survivors through his
guidance, advocacy, support, and inspirational outlook on life.���