Hockey player and coach-turned-broadcaster Barry Melrose dies at age 70

Barry Melrose, the hockey player turned coach who later became a well-known broadcaster, has passed away. He was 70 years old. ESPN announced his death after his wife informed the network. ESPN described Melrose as having a distinctive look with his flowing locks, flared lapels, and trademark long suit coats. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman remembered Melrose as someone who always boosted the love for the game of hockey.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Melrose stepped away from his analyst role at ESPN in 2023. Wayne Gretzky once considered Melrose to be "bigger than any team." Melrose's broadcasting style was relatable, humorous, and easily recognizable by his goatee and slicked-back hair. Born in rural Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Melrose began his professional hockey career with the Cincinnati Stingers of the WHA in 1976.

He played for three seasons in Cincinnati and later moved to Winnipeg, finishing his playing career with Toronto and Detroit in 1986. In total, Melrose played 300 regular-season NHL games and appeared in seven playoff games. He also had 5 goals and 32 points in the WHA with Cincinnati. After retiring from playing, Melrose turned to coaching and led the Adirondack Red Wings to win the American Hockey League Calder Cup in 1992.

He then joined the Los Angeles Kings, where he was known for his colorful flair and instant success. In his first season with the Kings, Melrose's coaching helped a team featuring Wayne Gretzky reach the playoffs. He finished his two+ seasons in Los Angeles with a record of 79-101 and 29 ties. Melrose's career in broadcasting began in 1996 with ESPN, and he left broadcasting briefly to coach the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2009.

He returned to ESPN and was known for his long-ball hitting in fast-pitch softball, joining fellow Kelvington-area NHL players in forming a team called "the toughest team there ever was."