NowWire · AI-assisted reporting summary · September 29, 2026 UTC
ESPN kicked off its coverage of the 2026-27 NHL season by honoring longtime broadcaster Barry Melrose, who passed away on September 9 at the age of 70 following a Parkinson's disease diagnosis. According to USA TODAY, broadcaster Steve Levy introduced the network's new hockey studio on September 29 by showcasing a caricature of Melrose on the boards complete with his trademark mullet, goatee, and cigar. [1]
During the broadcast of The Point, Levy and colleagues shared video tributes and expressed hope that NHL arenas would hold a moment of silence to honor the former analyst and coach. Melrose previously coached the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final before joining ESPN and helping grow the sport in the United States. [1]
Sources
- ESPN's new NHL studio features tribute to the late Barry Melrose — 2026-09-29T21:06:59Z