Barry Melrose, the former hockey player and coach, as well as a long-time sports broadcaster, has passed away at the age of 70. ESPN announced his death after his wife communicated the news to the network.
Known for his unique appearance with his mullet and long suit coats, Melrose was a memorable figure in hockey arenas and on television. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman remarked on how Melrose could boost anyone’s love for hockey through conversation or his insightful analysis.
Melrose retired from his role as an NHL Network analyst in 2023 due to a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Wayne Gretzky once noted, “Melrose was bigger than any team.” His analytical style was accessible and infused with humor, marked by his recognizable goatee and slicked-back hair.
ESPN praised him as a distinctive and trusted voice in hockey. They highlighted his deep knowledge, refreshing candor, and unmistakable passion for the sport.
Born in Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Melrose began his professional hockey career in 1976 with the Cincinnati Stingers of the World Hockey Association. He played alongside a young Mark Messier during his time there. After the WHA folded, he transitioned to the NHL, playing for Winnipeg in 1979, then for Toronto and Detroit, wrapping up his career in the 1985-86 season.
In his NHL career, Melrose scored 10 goals, earned 33 points, and spent 728 minutes in penalty time across 300 regular-season games. In the WHA, he had five goals, 32 points, and 343 penalty minutes over 178 games.
Melrose’s coaching career saw him lead the Adirondack Red Wings to victory in the American Hockey League’s Calder Cup championship in 1992. He joined the Los Angeles Kings the next year and took them to the Stanley Cup Final in his first season. Under his coaching, the Kings lost to Montreal in five games. His coaching record in L.A. included 79 wins, 101 losses, and 29 ties before his dismissal during the 1994-95 season.
Melrose began his broadcasting career with ESPN in 1996. He briefly returned to coaching with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008-09, coinciding with Steven Stamkos’ rookie season. However, he was let go 16 games into the season and returned to broadcasting.
Aside from hockey, Melrose was known for his fast-pitch softball skills. He played with other NHL players from the Kelvington area, including Wendel Clark and Joey Kocur, forming one of the toughest teams.