Hockey has always been a different kind of sport. Not the game; the culture, the ethos. Sure, it has changed over the last 20 years or so. It’s not quite the same.
Having been involved in hockey more closely for the last 25 years through Pro Hockey News, there have been opportunities to meet current and former players and coaches.
There was Mark Messier in the elevator in the Staples Center during the Stanley Cup Final between the Los Angeles Kings and the New York Rangers. There was head coach Ken Hitchcock in Odessa, Texas for an All-Star game in the old Western Professional Hockey League.
Players and coaches in hockey have been more approachable than most other sports figured. Phil Esposito also comes to mind in an event in Albuquerque.
The one former player that has always stood out is Barry Melrose. Not for his playing days, but for his commentating days on ESPN hockey broadcasts.
Two opportunities presented themselves to meet Melrose. Once at the Odessa game, and the second in Vancouver for the NHL All-Star Game in 1998 at General Motors Place in Vancouver. In person, Melrose was as personable and affable as he appeared on television broadcasts. A huge smile, a warm casual embrace, and friendly banter back and forth. You do not forget those times or those feelings.
On 9 September 2026, Barry Melrose passed following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2023. He retired in 2023 following the diagnosis, in an effort to focus on his care and treatment.
On NHL.com, a quote was attributed to Melrose on his retirement.
“I’ve had over 50 extraordinary years playing, coaching and analyzing the world’s greatest game, hockey. It’s now time to hang up my skates and focus on my health, my family, including my supportive wife Cindy, and whatever comes next.”
In the Vancouver meeting, it was happenstance; walking outside the arena ahead of the game it was a chance to say hello and mention how the first meeting happened.
Whether or not he truly recalled the first meet, is of little consequence. He played it up as a reunion and offered well wishes and thanks for remembering him.
Hockey lost one of the old guard today. In a statement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Melrose was celebrated for the big personality that he was.
“From the flowing locks of his distinctive mullet to the flared lapels of his trademark long suit coats, Barry Melrose cut an unmistakable figure whenever you were fortunate enough to run into him at a rink or catch him on your television screen,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “You were even more fortunate if you engaged him in conversation or listened to his analysis, because he never failed to boost your love of the game of hockey.
“A rangy and rugged defenseman from Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Barry fashioned an 11-year pro career in the NHL, AHL and WHA. But it was as a coach, who guided the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final, and as a broadcaster, who spent 27 years at ESPN, that he truly made his mark upon the game. And during those countless encounters over the years with players, coaches, fans and viewers who couldn’t help but be drawn in by his enthusiasm.
“We mourn the passing of a hockey original. And we send our deepest condolences to his wife, Cindy, their sons, Tyrell and Adrien, and all of his teammates, colleagues and admirers around the hockey world.”
There is no intent to overstate a relationship. Each was a meeting at an event. Chance shined down to give each opportunity. The memories will echo for years to come.
Pro Hockey News and this reporter offer our deepest sympathies to the Melrose family, and the sport he loved so much, and represented so well.
