Sept. 9, 2026Up to date Sept. 10, 2026, 12:37 a.m. ET
Barry Melrose, the previous NHL coach who starred as an ESPN hockey analyst, has died at age 70, the community introduced.
“For many years, Barry Melrose was one of the vital distinctive and trusted voices in hockey. His information of the sport was deep, his candor was refreshing and his ardour was unmistakable,” ESPN stated in a press release. “He was a foundational a part of ESPN’s hockey protection, and followers and teammates really appreciated his entertaining supply and charismatic persona.”
Melrose had retired from his broadcasting duties in 2023 after being recognized with Parkinson’s illness.
“I’ve had over 50 extraordinary years taking part in, teaching and analyzing the world’s best recreation, hockey. It is now time to hold up my skates and concentrate on my well being, my household, together with my supportive spouse Cindy, and no matter comes subsequent,” Melrose stated in a press release on the time.
“I am past grateful for my hockey profession, and to have referred to as ESPN dwelling for nearly 30 years. Thanks for the unimaginable reminiscences and I will now be cheering for you from the stands.”
Melrose, a defenseman, performed 478 video games within the NHL and World Hockey Affiliation and went into teaching after his retirement.
After stints within the Western Hockey League and American Hockey League − profitable titles in each leagues − he started teaching the Los Angeles Kings in 1992. He took the Wayne Gretzky-led staff to the Stanley Cup Last in his first season. The Kings misplaced to the Montreal Canadiens in 5 video games in that sequence.
He coached the Kings for one more two seasons and was fired within the third season. He additionally briefly coached the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008-09 and completed his NHL teaching profession with a 84-108-29-4 report.
Between and after the teaching stints, he was a preferred ESPN studio analyst who helped develop the sport. He was famous for his candid observations and his trademark mullet.
“For greater than 30 years Barry was the unquestioned face/voice of hockey in america,” longtime ESPN hockey announcer Steve Levy stated in a press release. “He was a person of the individuals, a household man, part of my household, Tonight, I will toast to the child from Kelvington (Saskatchewan) who made it massive however by no means forgot his roots. Now he can drink all of the Bud Lights, smoke all of the cigars and play all of the rounds of golf he needs to. Barry Melrose was one of the best of us.”
Mentioned ESPN’s John Buccigross on X: “Barry was my greatest good friend at ESPN. An enormous brother determine of rock stable values. I’m shook to my core. Barry gave his life to hockey and a few of his ESPN household, like me, realized of his surprising loss of life at the moment whereas at a hockey rink in Las Vegas making ready for the upcoming season. Chilling and fitting–the rink was Barry’s dwelling. A extra beloved ESPN establishment there has not been. We love you, Barry. Ceaselessly.”
