Barry Melrose, a staple of pro hockey coverage for almost three decades, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, according to ESPN’s John Buccigross.
Melrose, a former NHLer and coach, is “stepping away from our ESPN family to spend more time with his,” according to Buccigross.
“I’ve worked with Barry at ESPN for over a quarter century,” Buccigross shared on X on Tuesday. “Cold beers and hearty laughs in smokey cigar bars. A razor sharp wit, he was always early & looked like a million bucks. I love him. I’ll miss him.”
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves, according to the Mayo Clinic.
There is no cure for the slowly worsening condition.
A 10-year pro hockey veteran, Melrose suited up for 300 NHL games with the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings in the 1980s.
Melrose coached the Los Angeles Kings from 1992-95, leading the team to the Stanley Cup Final in 1993.
He joined ESPN’s NHL coverage in 1996, joining ABC’s broadcasts from 2003-04, gaining notoriety for his trademark mullet, flashy suits and readily available opinions.
The 67-year-old has long been paired with Steve Levy on broadcasts.
Melrose got back into coaching in 2008, taking over the Tampa Bay Lightning bench after the franchise drafted Steven Stamkos with the No. 1 overall pick.
The return was short-lived, lasting just 16 games before he was fired with a 5-7-4 mark.
He returned to ESPN in January 2009 as part of the outlet’s Winter Classic broadcast, and has remained a mainstay of it’s hockey coverage, as well as that of NHL Network, since 2011.
Melrose’s ESPN cohorts quickly shared their support for him, many noting his personality and nature.
“Barry is one of the best people around,” analyst Ray Ferraro wrote. “Kind, generous, happy. When I started in TV, he was so great to be around. He would always say ‘time to make the doughnuts’ when we had to tape something so late at night. And always positive about it. Be well my friend, see ya soon!”
“It’s hard for me to put into words how special and important of a person Barry has been to me since we started working together at ESPN,” Colby Cohen shared on X. “He is the best teammate and person that I know. Not many people can light up a room or light up a crowd with sheer presence like Barry does. Always humble, always kind, treats every single colleague and fan like they mattered. I love you buddy and I will miss working together.”