Longtime ESPN hockey announcer Barry Melrose has passed away at 70, the network announced on Wednesday night. Melrose, who rose to prominence coaching Wayne Gretzky on the Los Angeles Kings, pivoted to broadcasting and quickly became one of the most beloved analysts across any sport. Known for his quick wit, fashion sense and trademark mullet, Melrose was appointment television and the star of any show he appeared on.
ESPN paid tribute to Melrose on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt introducing a package on the unique personality’s life narrated by Jeremy Schaap.
MORE: Beloved former ESPN NHL broadcaster Barry Melrose has died
“He grinded his way to the top and came oh-so-close to getting his name on the cup,” Van Pelt said. “It was gutting to fall a game short. I pray he knew—and he had to know—that his name is etched on the hearts of his ESPN teammates forever. This one is truly crushing.”
It was bittersweet to look back at the past three decades of Melrose stealing the scene anytime he showed up on the network. He was one of those guys who would make you crack a smile just by appearing on your television. There won’t be another like him.
Gary Bettman on Barry Melrose
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement after his passing:
“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.”
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