Barry Melrose, the influential coach and broadcaster who significantly shaped hockey’s presence in American sports, has died at age 70. The Saskatchewan native passed away Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy spanning five decades in professional hockey across multiple roles.
Melrose gained prominence as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings during their inaugural Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 1993, Wayne Gretzky’s fifth season with the franchise following his historic trade from Edmonton. His coaching tenure with the Kings lasted three seasons before he transitioned to broadcasting, where he would establish himself as a defining voice for the sport on national television.
Beginning his ESPN career in 1994, Melrose became synonymous with hockey coverage for nearly two decades, known for his distinctive appearance featuring a trademark mullet and colorful pinstriped suits. He appeared regularly on major broadcasts including SportsCenter, studio shows, and playoff games alongside colleagues Steve Levy and John Buccigross. Beyond television, he appeared in various entertainment productions, including the 1999 film Mystery Alaska and a 2001 episode of Spin City.
Melrose stepped away from ESPN in 2023 after publicly announcing a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Prior to his broadcasting career, he played as a defenseman for multiple NHL teams and coached various professional squads, winning championship titles throughout his career. His colleagues expressed deep admiration for his contributions to making hockey a mainstream American sport.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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