A Voice Retires: Vic Rauter Ends Legendary Curling Broadcast Career
After more than five decades behind the microphone, including 40 years as the voice of curling in Canada, Vic Rauter has announced his retirement. The iconic sportscaster will call his final game – the gold medal match of the LGT World Men’s Curling Championship – this Saturday, April 4, at 4 p.m. ET on TSN, TSN.ca and the TSN app.
Rauter’s broadcasting career began in 1986 at the Canadian Mixed Curling Championship in Kamloops, British Columbia. He quickly became synonymous with the sport, known for his unique and captivating commentary style. His ability to build excitement around the granite game helped propel curling to a wider audience across Canada and internationally.
“When you’re a 19-year-old walking into a job at a radio station right out of college, you just can’t fathom this moment,” Rauter said. “But after an amazing 53 years on the air, and as this curling quadrennial comes to a close, I’ve made the decision that Here’s the right time to step away. I’m so grateful for the many doors that have opened for me, most of all getting the chance to spend more than 40 years covering curling for this network. I’ve been blessed to be associated with this sport for so long. I started with the Canadian Mixed Curling Championship in Kamloops in 1986, and we’ve since watched it grow into a truly international game, being played at the highest level around the world. I’d like to express a sincere thank you to all the fans who have watched us over the years, to my incredibly talented colleagues, and the wonderful friends I’ve made along the way. It’s been truly unforgettable, and I’ll cherish the memories always.”
Before becoming “the voice of curling,” Rauter began his broadcast journey with TSN in 1985, initially as an anchor on SportsDesk, now known as SportsCentre. He then transitioned to curling coverage, guided by TSN’s vice president of production, Jim Thompson. Rauter’s versatility extended beyond curling, as he also covered auto racing, soccer, hockey, and numerous other sports throughout his career.
Colleagues and analysts have lauded Rauter’s impact on the sport. Long-time TSN curling analyst Cathy Gauthier stated, “There will be no one that ever touches him in curling. I don’t care who it is – and we’ve got some wonderful people that have covered the sport. People will emulate him.” Fellow analyst Russ Howard added, “He’s Johnny Carson.”
Born in 1955, Rauter, who will turn 72 in May, has spent over five decades in the broadcasting industry. He expressed a desire to spend more time traveling with his wife, Marianne, after a remarkable career. Rauter also previously worked at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Toronto, CFTR radio, and Global Television Network in Toronto before joining TSN.
Rauter’s contributions extend to major events like nine Olympic Games and six FIFA World Cups, solidifying his status as a Canadian sports broadcasting icon. He was also the first host for the CFL on TSN from 1987 to 1991 and served as the play-by-play announcer for TSN’s coverage of the Montreal Expos in 2001.
