Kings Broadcaster Bob Miller On Medical Leave For Heart Surgery

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Hall of Fame hockey broadcaster Bob Miller is taking a leave of absence to undergo heart bypass surgery, the Los Angeles Kings announced Wednesday. The team broke the news before their home game against Colorado.

Miller has been the Kings' play-by-play voice since 1973. The 77-year-old is in his 43rd season.

He received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000, and the hockey press box at Staples Center is named in his honor.

"It is unfortunate that I have to miss Kings telecasts. But I have to get this taken care of as soon as possible," Miller said in a statement released by the team. "I know the telecasts will be in good hands, and I hope to return to the TV booth as soon as my health allows."

A long time fan Perry Wilson teared up as he said: "Very emotional. I love the man. He knows nothing about me, but all of Southern California knows him. And we wish him the very best."

It could be weeks if not months until Miller is back behind the microphone.

Radio play-by-play announcer Nick Nickson will replace Miller in the television booth alongside Jim Fox, the former Kings player and Miller's partner since 1990. Jon Rosen will call the games on the radio side, with analyst Daryl Evans, according to the team.