Barry Melrose, who coached Kings to 1993 Stanley Cup Final, dies at 70
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Barry Melrose, a hockey player turned coach who led the Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final before going on to a long career in broadcasting the sport, has died. He was 70.
ESPN announced Melrose’s death Wednesday after his wife informed the network.
“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. “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.”
Melrose stepped away from his analyst role in 2023 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
In a 2023 video celebrating Melrose’s career, Wayne Gretzky recalled that “Barry was hired to be our coach in L.A. in 1992 and he was just 35. He had never coached a game in the NHL, but as soon as he took over, all we did was start winning. And that first year we went all the way to the Stanley Cup Final.
“But within a couple of years of the ’93 final, Barry found his true calling. On TV, Barry was, well from Day 1, Barry. No tricks. Instead, Barry was all treats. ... Without pandering, without sugar coating, in his flamboyant suits with his big cigars, Barry has brought the game to life for millions of viewers.”
Melrose had a relatable everyman’s broadcasting style, bringing a sense of humor to his insights, and easily was recognized by his goatee and slicked-back hair.
“For decades, Barry Melrose was one of the most distinctive and trusted voices in hockey,” ESPN said in a statement. “His knowledge of the game was deep, his candor was refreshing and his passion was unmistakable.”
From rural Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Melrose broke into pro hockey with the Cincinnati Stingers of the now-defunct World Hockey Assn. in 1976. He played three seasons in Cincinnati — the last teaming with a young Mark Messier — and, following the WHA’s demise, made the transition to the NHL with Winnipeg in 1979.
Melrose went on to play for Toronto and Detroit, where he closed his career after the 1985-86 season.
He finished with 10 goals and 33 points and 728 penalty minutes in 300 NHL regular-season games and skated in seven more in the playoffs. His WHA totals were five goals and 32 points and 343 penalty minutes in 178 games with Cincinnati.
Melrose turned to coaching and led the Adirondack Red Wings to the American Hockey League Calder Cup championship in 1992.
The following year, Melrose was hired by the Kings and brought a sense of colorful flair and instant success to Los Angeles. In his rookie season, he coached a Kings team that featured Gretzky to make a memorable playoff run. They reached the Cup Final before losing to Montreal in five games.
Melrose finished with a record of 79-101-29 over two-plus seasons in L.A. before being fired midway through the 1994-95 season.
“I am truly saddened by the loss of my friend. Barry meant so much to me personally, and his impact on our sport was immeasurable,” former Kings star and current team president Luc Robitaille said in a statement. “He played an important role in the growth of hockey and its popularity across the United States, and his influence on the game will not be forgotten.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Cindy and the entire Melrose family.”
He was hired by ESPN in 1996 and left broadcasting for a brief stint coaching the Tampa Bay Lightning in Steven Stamkos’ rookie season in 2008-09. Melrose was fired 16 games into the season following a 5-7-4 start and returned to broadcasting.
Whyno writes for the Associated Press.
