Vic Rauter, legendary voice of TSN's curling coverage, retiring after 53-year career

Vic Rauter, the voice of TSN's curling coverage for more than 40 years, is retiring after the men's world championship.

TSN announced Rauter's retirement Thursday in a news release paying tribute to the popular broadcaster, known for his curling knowledge and his famous "Make the final..." call.

Rauter, who will turn 72 in May, said it's "the right time to step away" after 53 years on the air.

The Toronto native joined TSN in 1985, a year after the network launched, and called every edition of the Canadian men's and women's curling championships since 1986, except for 2006 when CBC had the rights.

Rauter's contributions at TSN went beyond curling, including coverage of MLS, NHL, MLB, football, Formula 1, figure skating, bowling, cricket and equestrian.

He worked nine Olympic Games and six FIFA World Cups over his career.

Rauter began his broadcasting career in February 1973 at CFTR Radio as a news and sports reporter, before joining Toronto's Global Television Network and then CBC.

"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. But after an amazing 53 years on the air, and as this curling quadrennial comes to a close, I've made the decision that this is the right time to step away," Rauter said.

"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."