Barry Melrose, former player, coach, author, and hockey analyst died Wednesday from Parkinson’s disease at age 70.
Born in Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Melrose spent much of his youth playing hockey on the rinks and fields of rural Saskatchewan, and in junior league hockey before being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1976.
Melrose spent much of the late 1970’s and 1980’s playing for several teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), including the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings. Finishing with 10 goals, 33 assists, and 728 penalty minutes.
Following retirement in 1987, Melrose went into coaching, eventually landing in Los Angeles, where he spent three seasons as the head coach for the L.A. Kings, leading them to the Stanley Cup Final (1992-93), ultimately losing to the Montreal Canadiens in five games; followed by a short stint as the head coach for the Tampa Bay Lighting.
In 2012, Melrose co-wrote Dropping the Gloves: Inside the Fiercely Combative World of Professional Hockey, a memoir and nostalgic look back at his formative years and life in the World Hockey League and NHL.
But Melrose may be best-known for the distinctive style he displayed as an analyst for both ESPN and NHL Network. A carry-over from his coaching days, Melrose often sported slick suits and even slicker hair. And despite some 25 years in the analyst seat, Melrose’s commentary was fresh, fun, and respected, as he spoke like a player or a coach who had just stepped off the ice. His personality was huge and he was always quick with a laugh, but his experience and knowledge of the game was deep and his analysis rang of someone who had been there and done that; rich with color gleaned from a life lived in the sport.
Melrose is survived by his wife, Cindy, and two sons Adrien and Tyrell.
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