Foster Hewitt and Danny Gallivan are widely considered the two best ever, and for good reason. They were the best.
But I grew up in B.C's Lower Mainland listening to Jim Robson. He's my all-time favourite. For years, he was CBC's unofficial top guy. The moment the Canucks were eliminated from the playoffs (usually early), he'd become the CBC's lead voice. He called Bob Nystrom's Cup-winning goal in 1980.
He did his best to be impartial, he carried Tom Larscheid for decades, and he didn't get over-excited. When Kirk McLean made the improbable save off Robert Reichel in Game 7 of the 1994 series vs. Calgary (likely the single biggest play in Canuck history), Robson didn't shout out at the top of his lungs about how it was the most amazing save ever, like some of 2005's raving lunatics, or yell "Oh Baby!" He said "a marvellous save by Kirk McLean" in a raised voice, giving the listener an understanding of the importance of the play, then told the listener that the light went on, but it wasn't a goal, informing the listener of how close Calgary came to scoring. To me, that's the most indicative call of Robson's career.
(Go to the 1994 sub-section on the history page at canuckscentral.com to hear Robson's call).
Not a big fan of most modern broadcasters. Most are cut from the same mould: they're homers and they are too excitable. . (It's even more embarassing when it takes place on a national network, right Bob Cole). If I had to pick one, I'd say Chris Cuthbert, despite his occasionally annoying voice. But Robson would still do a better job than any of them.
Always liked Harry Neale and Ryan Walter as colour men. Dick Irvin is my all-time favourite? I know he's taken a reduced role, but few in the history of the industry have been better. Informed, articulate, insightful and can still break down a game.
(I did a couple years of volunteer colour commentary for my local junior team, but I guess I can't count myself. I also have a few friends who are working their way up through the junior ranks right now).
Intermission host? Ron MacLean. Of course, I'm a big Grapes fan. Anytime Bob McKenzie starts to speak, I listen. Loved Brian Burke's work with TSN, but few in the game are more tailor-made for TV than Burke. (Roenick will make a great candidate one day, too. Drew raves for his analyst work during the World Cup).