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The hockey world lost one of its most recognizable personalities Wednesday. Former NHL coach, player, and longtime broadcaster Barry Melrose died at 70. ESPN announced his passing on September 9, 2026. Melrose built a remarkable career across several generations of hockey. He played professionally before moving behind the bench. Later, he became one of hockey’s most familiar television voices. For many fans, however, Melrose became synonymous with ESPN hockey coverage. His personality stood out immediately. His trademark mullet, colorful suits, and booming laugh became part of his television identity. Yet his hockey knowledge always remained the foundation. Melrose spent nearly three decades working with ESPN. He joined the network in 1996 after establishing himself as an NHL coach. During his broadcasting career, he covered regular-season games, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the Stanley Cup Final. He also covered several major international hockey events.
Melrose first made a major coaching name for himself with the Los Angeles Kings. He took over the Kings before the 1992-93 season. That team featured superstar Wayne Gretzky and several talented players. Melrose quickly helped change the direction of the franchise. The Kings reached the Stanley Cup Final during his first season. Los Angeles faced the Montreal Canadiens in the championship series. The Canadiens won the series in five games. Still, the Kings had reached their first Stanley Cup Final in franchise history. That run helped establish Melrose as one of hockey’s notable young coaches. He remained behind the Kings’ bench through the 1994-95 season. His regular season record with Los Angeles finished at 79-101-29. He also posted a 13-11 playoff record with the Kings. Before coaching in Los Angeles, Melrose developed his reputation throughout the minor leagues.
He coached the Medicine Hat Tigers to the Memorial Cup championship in 1987. He later coached the Seattle Thunderbirds during the 1988-89 season. Melrose then took over the Adirondack Red Wings of the American Hockey League. He guided Adirondack to the Calder Cup championship in 1991. That success helped open the door to his NHL coaching opportunity. Melrose also enjoyed a playing career before becoming a coach. The Montreal Canadiens selected him with the 36th pick in the 1976 NHL Draft. He eventually played for the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings. Melrose played 300 regular-season NHL games. He finished with 10 goals and 33 points. He also recorded 728 penalty minutes during his NHL career. After leaving the Kings, Melrose began his long broadcasting career. He quickly became a fixture on ESPN’s hockey coverage.
His ability to explain hockey helped make him popular with longtime fans. His personality also helped introduce casual viewers to the sport. Melrose stepped away from ESPN in 2008. He returned to coaching after accepting the Tampa Bay Lightning job. His second NHL coaching opportunity lasted only 16 games. Melrose returned to broadcasting afterward. He continued building his reputation as one of hockey’s most recognizable analysts. He later worked with NHL Network as well. NHL Network announced his return to its studio lineup in 2017.
At that point, Melrose continued working with ESPN while expanding his NHL Network role. Melrose announced his retirement from ESPN in October 2023. He revealed that doctors had diagnosed him with Parkinson’s disease. At the time, he said he wanted to focus on his health and family. His decision marked the end of an extraordinary television run. Melrose had spent more than 50 years playing, coaching, and analyzing hockey. His career crossed multiple eras of the sport.
He also developed strong relationships throughout the hockey community. Wayne Gretzky praised Melrose after his 2023 retirement. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also called him a unique personality. Those tributes reflected Melrose’s impact beyond his coaching record. He brought energy and humor to hockey broadcasts. More importantly, he showed an unmistakable passion for the sport. That passion made Melrose different. He never sounded like someone simply doing a television job. He sounded like someone who genuinely loved hockey. His presence also helped make ESPN’s hockey coverage memorable for countless fans. Melrose leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the Kings’ 1993 Stanley Cup Final run. He leaves behind memories from the bench, the studio, and the hockey rink.
He leaves behind fans who grew up watching him explain the sport. Most importantly, he leaves behind an unmistakable place in hockey history. The mullet may have become his trademark. The suits may have become part of his image. But hockey always remained at the center of Barry Melrose’s life. Now, the hockey world says goodbye to one of its most colorful characters. His voice, personality, and passion for the game will not soon be forgotten.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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