A Saskatchewan hockey original who made his mark in the NHL as a player, coach and broadcaster has died.
Barry Melrose, the Kelvington product and former Weyburn Red Wings defenceman who led the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final before becoming one of the most recognizable voices in hockey, died Wednesday at the age of 70.
ESPN announced Melrose's death Wednesday. Melrose stepped away from his longtime analyst role with ESPN in 2023 after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
At the time, Melrose reflected on a hockey career that spanned more than five decades.
“I've had over 50 extraordinary years playing, coaching and analyzing the world's greatest game, hockey,” Melrose said upon his retirement. “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.”
For Saskatchewan hockey fans, Melrose's journey from the small community of Kelvington to the biggest stages in hockey was remarkable. Born July 15, 1956, Melrose was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round, 36th overall, in the 1976 NHL Draft.
He made his NHL debut with the Winnipeg Jets on Oct. 10, 1979, recording an assist on a goal by Morris Lukowich in a 4-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Melrose went on to play 300 NHL games with Winnipeg, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings. His final NHL game came Feb. 1, 1986.
His professional playing career also included time in the American Hockey League and World Hockey Association, giving him an 11-year professional career. But Melrose would make an even bigger impact behind the bench.
His coaching career began with the Medicine Hat Tigers during the 1987-88 WHL season, where he guided the club to a Memorial Cup championship. He later coached the Adirondack Red Wings to a Calder Cup championship in 1991-92. That success earned Melrose his first NHL head coaching opportunity with the Los Angeles Kings in 1992-93.
In his first season, he guided a Kings team featuring Wayne Gretzky, Rob Blake, Luc Robitaille and Kelly Hrudey to the Stanley Cup Final. Los Angeles defeated Calgary and Vancouver before edging the Toronto Maple Leafs in a memorable seven-game Campbell Conference Final. The Kings ultimately fell to Patrick Roy and the Montreal Canadiens in five games in the Stanley Cup Final.
Melrose coached Los Angeles for two more seasons before returning to broadcasting. It was there that he became a household name among hockey fans across North America.
Melrose joined ESPN in 1996 and spent 27 years with the network, becoming known as much for his personality as his hockey knowledge. His trademark mullet, colourful suits and unmistakable sense of humour made him one of the most recognizable personalities in the sport. He worked alongside Steve Levy and John Buccigross while covering All-Star Games, the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the Stanley Cup Final, eventually earning an Emmy Award for his broadcasting work.
Melrose briefly returned to coaching in 2008, taking over the Tampa Bay Lightning. His return lasted just 16 games before he was fired after Tampa Bay opened the season with a 5-7-4 record. He subsequently returned to ESPN.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman called Melrose a “hockey original” and praised his impact on the sport. “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,” Bettman said. “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.”
Wayne Gretzky also spoke about Melrose following his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2023, describing his longtime friend as someone who represented much more than any one team.
“He's bigger than any team,” Gretzky said.
Los Angeles president Luc Robitaille, who played for Melrose on the 1993 Kings, said in a statement that Melrose's impact on hockey would not be forgotten.
“Barry Melrose was a beacon for our sport and will be forever cherished and remembered for his passion and love of the game of hockey,” Robitaille said.
Melrose is survived by his wife, Cindy, and sons Tyrell and Adrien.
From the Weyburn Red Wings to the NHL, the Stanley Cup Final and eventually becoming one of the most recognizable broadcasters in hockey, the kid from Kelvington left an unmistakable Saskatchewan stamp on the game.
