Lightning broadcaster Rick Peckham to receive Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

Rick Peckham’s work will be remembered long after the end of his 42-year broadcasting career, as he’ll be honored in November at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Peckham, who has spent the past 24 years as the play-by-play voice for the Lightning, will receive the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for his outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster. He is retiring at the end of this season.

The award, given out by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association, honors “members of the radio and television industry who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and to the game of hockey.”

Peckham will be honored alongside hockey writer Tony Gallagher, who will receive the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award for excellence in hockey journalism, during the 2020 Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in mid-November in Toronto.

Peckham and Gallagher will be recognized by the Hockey Hall of Fame as “Media Honourees” ─ a separate distinction from individuals inducted as “Honoured Members” who are elected by the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

The Hall of Fame is not currently accepting ticket orders for the 2020 induction due to coronavirus concerns.

Before his 24-year stint in Tampa Bay, Peckham worked with the Hartford Whalers for 11 seasons as their television play-by-play broadcaster. In addition to his time in the NHL, Peckham worked in the AHL — after graduating from Kent State University in 1977 — as the radio/TV voice of the Rochester Americans.

Peckham’s career has been previously recognized with four local Emmy Awards for his work on Fox Sports Sun and SportsChannel New England.

“I have known Rick for 36 years, since his days covering the Hartford Whalers”, said Chuck Kaiton, President of the NHL Broadcasters’ Association. “Rick has had a most distinguished hockey broadcasting career, which deserves to be recognized by this honour. His longevity and excellence tell the story and his passion for his profession came through each broadcast.”

Contact Mari Faiello at mfaiello@tampabay.com. Follow @faiello_mari.