If you’re a hockey fan, and spent a lot of time watching NHL broadcasts and highlights on ESPN, you know that Barry Melrose was must-watch television.
Between his suits, his iconic mullet and his smooth commentary, Melrose was just a joy to take in whenever there was hockey to break down.
As we learned on Tuesday, Melrose is stepping away from ESPN after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease so he can spend more time with his family. The Worldwide Leader paid tribute to him with a terrific video narrated by Wayne Gretzky, and if you’re a fan like I am, you must watch:
NEWS:
Barry Melrose has Parkinson's disease and is stepping away from our ESPN family to spend more time with his. I've worked with Barry at ESPN for over a quarter century. Cold beers and hearty laughs in smokey cigar bars. A razor sharp wit, he was always early & looked like a… pic.twitter.com/gjjSAEuG2s— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) October 10, 2023
After nearly three decades on air, ESPN thanks Barry Melrose for an unforgettable career & we wish him all the best pic.twitter.com/gptFvyvoLm
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) October 10, 2023