Wayne Gretzky has paid tribute to another iconic NHL star, Barry Melrose, following his death at 70.
ESPN announced the death of the former player, coach, and TV analyst on Wednesday, September 9, after confirmation from Barry's wife, Cindy.
"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.
"He was a foundational part of ESPN's hockey coverage, and fans and teammates truly appreciated his entertaining delivery and charismatic personality."
The statement concluded: "We send our deepest condolences to his loved ones. He always kept it interesting and he will be missed."
Barry Melrose tributes
© Getty ImagesFollowing the news, Wayne, who played in the 1993 Stanley Cup Final with the Los Angeles Kings with Barry as their coach, penned a touching tribute on Instagram.
Alongside a photo of Barry with his signature goatee and slicked-back hair, Wayne wrote: "We lost an icon of our game tonight in Barry Melrose. Janet and I are keeping his family and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers."
© InstagramNHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement: "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.
"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."
John Buccigross, Barry's closest friend at ESPN, shared on X: "Barry was my best friend at ESPN. A big brother figure of rock solid values. I am shook to my core.
© Getty Images"Barry gave his life to hockey and some of his ESPN family, like me, learned of his shocking death today while at a hockey rink in Las Vegas preparing for the upcoming season."
He added: "Chilling and fitting–the rink was Barry's home. A more beloved ESPN institution there has not been. We love you, Barry. Forever."
Barry's cause of death
While no official cause of death has been announced, Barry died three years after he revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, an incurable "movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time," according to the Mayo Clinic.
© Getty ImagesFollowing his diagnosis, Barry announced his retirement from ESPN in October 2023.
"I've had over 50 extraordinary years playing, coaching and analyzing the world's greatest game, hockey. It's now time to hang up my skates and focus on my health, my family, including my supportive wife Cindy, and whatever comes next," Barry, then 67, said in a statement.
"I'm beyond grateful for my hockey career, and to have called ESPN home for almost 30 years. Thanks for the incredible memories and I'll now be cheering for you from the stands."
