Barry Melrose Retires as Hockey Analyst Following Parkinson's Diagnosis

Barry Melrose, a prominent hockey analyst and former NHL coach, has revealed his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and has officially retired from his television role at ESPN, as he announced on Tuesday, according to The Athletic.

With over 50 remarkable years spent playing, coaching, and analyzing the sport of hockey, Melrose expressed his decision to step away from the limelight to prioritize his health and spend more time with his family, including his supportive wife, Cindy.

In a statement, he shared his gratitude for his illustrious hockey career and his nearly three-decade affiliation with ESPN, thanking everyone for the incredible memories and expressing his intention to continue supporting the game from the stands.

Melrose, one of the most recognizable figures in the sport, began his tenure at ESPN in 1996, following a three-year stint as the head coach of the Los Angeles Kings.

For many American hockey fans, the 67-year-old analyst was the face of NHL coverage, both at ESPN and when it was under the umbrella of ABC Sports.

John Buccigross, Melrose's colleague at the network, paid tribute to him on social media, reminiscing about their longstanding professional relationship, filled with camaraderie and shared moments of laughter.

Buccigross described Melrose's wit, punctuality, and sharp appearance and expressed his admiration, acknowledging that he will be dearly missed.

Barry Melrose NHL Career

Melrose's involvement in the world of hockey began on the ice as a player, where he enjoyed a six-season career spanning three NHL teams.

He played as a defenseman for the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings from 1979 to 1986, and he also had a three-season stint with the Cincinnati Stingers in the WHA from 1976 to 1979, ESPN noted.

During his NHL career, Melrose accumulated a total of 10 goals, 33 points, and 728 penalty minutes across 300 games.

In the WHA, he tallied five goals, 32 points, and 343 penalty minutes in 178 games with Cincinnati.

Subsequently, Melrose transitioned to coaching in 1987, leading the Medicine Hat Tigers to the WHL's Memorial Cup title.

He went on to coach the Seattle Thunderbirds during the 1988-89 season and the Adirondack Red Wings of the American Hockey League for three seasons from 1989 to 1992, achieving the distinction of winning the Calder Cup championship in 1991.

Perhaps the pinnacle of his coaching career was guiding Wayne Gretzky and the Los Angeles Kings to a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1993, marking his inaugural stint behind an NHL bench.

Barry Melrose as Hockey Analyst

Following a brief return to coaching in 2008 with the Tampa Bay Lightning, during which he was relieved of his duties after just 16 games, Melrose swiftly resumed his role as an analyst, rejoining ESPN in time for the 2009 Winter Classic, per FOX News.

Throughout the years, Melrose's impact on the hockey community was evident as he became an integral part of the sport's narrative.

Wayne Gretzky, in a video tribute for ESPN, described Melrose as a larger-than-life figure who had dedicated himself to the game, serving as a conductor in the finely tuned orchestra of hockey.

Gretzky emphasized that hockey was more than just a game; it was a community, and Barry Melrose was an integral part of it.

Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN, recognized Melrose's profound influence on and off the ice, commending his enduring connection to the sport spanning five decades. Pitaro extended well wishes to Melrose and his family.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also paid homage to Melrose, acknowledging his unique and irreplaceable role in the world of hockey.

Bettman noted that Melrose's love for the game was not only evident but also contagious, bringing smiles to the faces of those he engaged with.

Barry Melrose's contributions to hockey have left a lasting mark on the sport, and his presence will be profoundly missed by both ESPN and the broader hockey community.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Barry Melrose has had a career in hockey unlike any other - From NHL on ESPN