Longtime Trail Smoke Eaters announcer Darryl (Tiger) Milburn has died.
The team confirmed his passing with a Facebook post, calling him a “true Trail hockey legend.”
“For more than 50 years, Tiger was the voice of hockey at Cominco Arena, bringing passion, professionalism and understated flair to every game, regardless of who was on the ice,” the team said.
“From minor hockey to Junior A, international competition and the Allan Cup, he welcomed generations of players and fans to the rink — announcing names that included Montreal Canadiens legend Jean Béliveau, members of the Soviet national team and Team Canada.”
Milburn was known for his iconic “You-hoo!” that can still be heard throughout the arena on game nights.
“Tiger was a legend in this town,” said Vista Radio’s Chris Kuchar, who succeeded Milburn as the rink announcer.
“He was someone I looked up to. I feel very fortunate to have worked with Tiger his last two seasons as he taught me how to do the job. He was always kind and supportive.”
While the scorekeeper/announcer booth at the rink has been renovated since Milburn’s time, Kuchar said “as far as I’m concerned that space will always be Tiger’s Den.”
