On a daily basis, Norm Jary would end his sportscasts on CJOY radio by saying, “I’m Norm Jary, just in case you need me for anything.”
For 15 years, the people of Guelph took him up on that offer by electing him Mayor. As a play-by-play announcer of Guelph Junior hockey, he often made even the most mundane game into an exciting radio broadcast.
Those talents caught the attention of the New York Rangers who made him their play-by-play announcer. In that role, he was part of hockey history when Bobby Hull of the Chicago Black Hawks became the first player in National Hockey League to score 51 goals in a season.
Over the years, he was sought after by other NHL teams, including Pittsburgh, Los Angeles and others. Instead, he decided to stay in Guelph. His support for sports from the Mayor’s chair and his continuing effort for fundraising events in the city has ensured his legacy has been a major part of making Guelph a better place to live.
Inducted into the Guelph Sports Hall of Fame – Builder category – in 2007
