It's official, after more than 37 years as the voice of the Oilers, Rod Phillips, is passing over the microphone to a successor.

At a news conference Friday morning, the Edmonton Oilers unveiled their plans to honour the long-time play-by play announcer.

Phillips, who started his career with the Oilers in 1973, has seen the team through good and bad times - including the Oilers' historic Stanley Cup run in the 80s.

In front of friends and colleagues, Phillips fondly recalled his time behind the microphone. 

When asked what his biggest thrill was during his time with the Oilers, Phillips said that one of his fondest memories occurred during a series of games against the Montreal Canadiens in 1982-1983 when he first realized that the Oilers were truly something special.

Fans of Phillips will have a few chances to hear him before he "officially" retires. He will return to the announcer booth this upcoming season for 10 games, dubbed by The Edmonton Oilers as "Rod's Classics". Phillips and Oilers brass will decide which games will be part of the "Classics" once the team's schedule is released.

The Oilers have not yet announced a replacement for Phillips.

With files from Adam Cook