ESPN Honored Late Hockey Broadcaster Barry Melrose
The network dedicated its new NHL studio to the legendary coach and analyst who passed away in September.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Hockey
ESPN unveiled its new hockey studio with a heartfelt tribute to long-time broadcaster and former coach Barry Melrose. The network honored his legacy during the debut of their 2026-27 season coverage.
Why it matters
The tribute acknowledges the significant contributions Melrose made to the sport as both a bench boss and a media personality. His passing resonated across the hockey community as colleagues and fans reflected on his impact on the game.
Barry Melrose, who passed away at age 70, had been battling Parkinson's disease for three years prior to his death. He is best remembered for leading the Los Angeles Kings to the Stanley Cup Final in 1993.
The players
Barry Melrose
He was a distinguished professional hockey coach and television analyst known for his work with ESPN and his time leading the Los Angeles Kings.
Steve Levy
He is a veteran sports broadcaster at ESPN who led the network's hockey studio debut and commemorative tribute to his late colleague.
Los Angeles Kings
This is a professional NHL team based in California that reached the Stanley Cup Final under the leadership of head coach Barry Melrose.
The details
During the broadcast, host Steve Levy introduced the network's new studio set, which features a caricature of Melrose on the rink boards. Levy also called for a moment of silence to be observed across all NHL arenas in honor of the late analyst.
Timeline
Barry Melrose coached the Los Angeles Kings to the Stanley Cup Final in 1993.
Barry Melrose died at age 70 on September 9, 2026.
ESPN debuted its new studio with a tribute on September 29, 2026.
The Big Picture
This tribute follows a pattern of recognizing coaching icons whose careers were largely defined by the 1993 Stanley Cup Final. It highlights the enduring historical connection between legendary coaching figures and the growth of the sport's broadcast coverage.
The tribute sets an emotional tone for the start of the 2026-27 NHL campaign as the league honors a prominent voice from the booth. Fans should expect similar moments of remembrance throughout the opening week of the season across all team venues.
The takeaway
Barry Melrose remains a seminal figure in hockey history due to his dual roles as a coach and media presence. His passing reminds fans and viewers of the human elements behind the sport's high-profile television coverage.
Further reading
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