Barry Melrose, former coach and beloved ESPN hockey analyst, dies at 70
Barry Melrose, the former NHL player and coach who was a beloved, longtime hockey analyst for ESPN, died Wednesday, his wife, Cindy, told ESPN's Steve Levy.
First reported 5 days ago · latest update 5 days ago
Barry Melrose, a former National Hockey League player and coach, died on Wednesday at the age of 70. His wife, Cindy Melrose, conveyed the news to ESPN’s Steve Levy.
Melrose’s coaching career included a stint with the Los Angeles Kings during the era when Wayne Gretzky played for the team. He later transitioned to broadcasting, becoming a well‑known hockey analyst for ESPN, where he was a regular presence on the network’s hockey coverage for many years.
In addition to his on‑air work, Melrose had previously announced his retirement from broadcasting after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The diagnosis prompted him to step away from his analyst duties, though he remained a respected figure in the hockey community.
His contributions to the sport spanned playing, coaching, and media, earning him a reputation as an entertaining and knowledgeable voice in hockey analysis.
Melrose’s death was confirmed by his family, and tributes have highlighted his impact on both the game and its fans.
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Barry Melrose, former coach and beloved ESPN hockey analyst, dies at 70
Barry Melrose, the former NHL player and coach who was a beloved, longtime hockey analyst for ESPN, died Wednesday, his wife, Cindy, told ESPN's Steve Levy.
5 days agoBarry Melrose, Entertaining ESPN Hockey Analyst, Dies at 70
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Barry Melrose, who coached the Wayne Gretzky-led Los Angeles Kings team that helped put the NHL and hockey on the map in the U.S., and who later became ESPN’s signature hockey analyst for almost two decades, died Wednesday. He was 70. Melrose retired from ESPN after an almost two-decade broadcasting career after he revealed just […]
5 days ago · Patrick HipesBarry Melrose, Former ESPN Analyst and Hockey Pro, Dies at 70
Barry Melrose, a former NHL player, coach and longtime ESPN analyst, died Wednesday. He was 70. Melrose’s wife, Cindy, confirmed his death to ESPN. “For decades, Barry Melrose was one of the most distinctive and trusted voices in hockey,” wrote ESPN in a statement. “His knowledge of the game was deep, his candor was refreshing, […]
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