Legendary Bruins announcer Jack Edwards made surprising appearance for one final message

Jack Edwards, voice of Boston Bruins broadcasts, never made anyone's list as the most popular fellow around the National Hockey League. But he was something special for the fans in Boston, and he reminded the hockey world Sunday night why that is so. His presence, and his words, stirred an emotional moment of tribute to a man who has meant a great deal to the Bruins and their following.

The Bruins celebrated Edwards with a stirring ceremony celebrating his years of service to the team and city, but the most unforgettable event of the evening came when Edwards himself took to the airwaves one last time with a tender message. Of course, this could be his last behind-the-mic, a sort of farewell speech, with the message that reached the fans of the Bruins and all of hockey.

During the speech inside the booth, Edwards was asked why he thought he was so interwoven with the community of the Bruins. His response came out telling: he said his run was successful because of the pure, unconditional love he had for the team. It was this passion by Edwards that allowed him to put all his drive and energy into every single broadcast, something that surely resonated worldwide with the fans.

Despite now having noticeable speech difficulties, a condition that had forced him to retire, Edwards's voice still carried a lot of sincerity and emotion in it. The issues added a layer of poignancy rather than making the moment somewhat denting, a reminder to fans of his struggle and love for the game. To hear him speak, even from a short clip, was bittersweet for those who grew up with his voice calling countless games.

Irreplaceable, he is one of a kind. To those of us who have been lucky enough to hear him call games, he reminds us of an era of Boston hockey that will never be as great. Others may try to fill his skates, but the unique passion and energy he brought to the role will always leave their mark. Suffice it to say, there will never be another like him.