Posted on 09/09/2026 8:18:04 PM PDT by dfwgator
Barry Melrose, a former NHL player and coach who was a beloved hockey analyst for ESPN for over 25 years, died Wednesday, his wife, Cindy, told ESPN's Steve Levy.
He was 70.
Melrose was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2023, leading to his retirement from ESPN. He joined the network in 1996.
"For decades, Barry Melrose was one of the most distinctive and trusted voices in hockey," ESPN said in a statement. "His knowledge of the game was deep, his candor was refreshing, and his passion was unmistakable. He was a foundational part of ESPN's hockey coverage, and fans and teammates truly appreciated his entertaining delivery and charismatic personality.
(Excerpt) Read more at espn.com ...
I might be the only American Freeper who has actually been to Melrose’s home town of Kelvington, Saskatchewan!
The PLACE to be!
Dang. I never would have guessed he was as old as he was (two years older than me), but I remember him as a young man, I guess. I have fond memories of Barry as coach of the LA Kings in their Gretzky days. Full of spunk and always the GQ look. Rest in peace, Barry, and thanks for the memories.
I’ll always remember him for McSorley’s illegal stick in the 1993 Stanley Cup Final. The last year a Canadian team won the Cup.
I wonder if concussions contributed to Parkinson’s.
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