Barry Melrose, former hockey player and coach, dies at 70
FILE - Hockey analyst Barry Melrose talks with panelists during NHL Live at the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic on December 30, 2013 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Noah Graham/NHLI via Getty Images)
Barry Melrose, former hockey player, coach and longtime ESPN hockey analyst, has died. He was 70 years old.
Barry Melrose dies
ESPN announced Melrose’s death Wednesday after his wife informed the network.
What they're saying:
"From the flowing locks of his distinctive mullet to the flared lapels of his trademark long suit coats, Barry Melrose cut an unmistakable figure whenever you were fortunate enough to run into him at a rink or catch him on your television screen," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "You were even more fortunate if you engaged him in conversation or listened to his analysis because he never failed to boost your love of the game of hockey."
Melrose diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
The backstory:
Melrose stepped away from his analyst role in 2023 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
"I’ve had over 50 extraordinary years playing, coaching and analyzing the world’s greatest game, hockey. It’s now time to hang up my skates and focus on my health, my family, including my supportive wife Cindy, and whatever comes next," Melrose said in a statement released by the network.
"I’m beyond grateful for my hockey career, and to have called ESPN home for almost 30 years," he added. "Thanks for the incredible memories, and I’ll now be cheering for you from the stands."
Barry Melrose's hockey career
Melrose broke into pro hockey with the Cincinnati Stingers in 1976. He played three seasons in Cincinnati and made the transition to the NHL with Winnipeg in 1979.
Melrose went on to play for Toronto and Detroit, where he closed his career following the 1985-86 season.
He finished with 10 goals and 33 points and 728 penalty minutes in 300 career NHL regular-season games, and he skated in seven more in the playoffs. His WHA totals were five goals and 32 points and 343 penalty minutes in 178 games with Cincinnati.
Melrose turned to coaching and led the Adirondack Red Wings to win the American Hockey League Calder Cup championship in 1992.
The following year, Melrose was hired by the Kings, where he brought a sense of colorful flare and instant success to Los Angeles. In his rookie season, he coached a Kings team that featured Gretzky to make a memorable playoff run. They reached the final before losing to Montreal in five games.
Melrose finished with a record of 79-101 and 29 ties over two-plus seasons in LA before being fired midway through the 1994-95 season.
The Source: Information for this article was taken from an ESPN report and The Associated Press. This story was reported from San Jose.