Montreal sports broadcaster Pierre Houde, play-by-play announcer and voice of the Montreal Canadiens on RDS since 1989, has been awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for 2024.

This honour is awarded annually by the Hockey Hall of Fame to recognize members of the radio and television industry who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and to hockey during their broadcasting careers. The winner is selected by the NHL Broadcasters Association.

This award will be presented to Houde on November 11 as part of the 2024 induction celebrations.

Synonymous with being the voice of the Habs, Pierre Houde has been calling the team's games in French on RDS since 1989. Born in Ville St-Laurent, Houde began his broadcast career hosting weekend shows on the radio at the age of 18.

Over the past 35 years, he has called nearly 3,500 games (including World Championships, junior hockey games, the Spengler Cup) and no less than 12 Stanley Cup finals. 

Over the past 40 years, he has also covered 13 Olympic Games and hundreds of Formula 1 races. 

“For more than three decades, Pierre has provided French-speaking hockey fans across Canada with exciting and entertaining commentary with class and distinction,” said the President of the NHL Broadcasters Association, Chuck Kaiton.

Other Quebecers who received this honour include René Lecavalier, Richard Garneau and Gilles Tremblay.

This story by RDS was first published in French on May 31, 2024.