Legendary ESPN Hockey Analyst Barry Melrose Shocks Fans with Retirement Announcement After Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis

Barry Melrose revealed his decision to retire from his hockey commentating career due to his recent Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. In a statement released via ESPN on Tuesday, October 10, the 67-year-old expressed his gratitude for his over 50 remarkable years involved in playing, coaching, and analyzing the world's most prestigious sport, hockey. Melrose emphasized that now is the moment to prioritize his health, spend time with his family, including his supportive wife Cindy, and embrace whatever the future holds for him.

Having begun his career as a hockey player, the individual, hailing from Canada, eventually made the transition to coaching before joining the sports network in 1996. Throughout his career, he had the opportunity to play for esteemed teams such as the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings. Following 11 successful years on the ice, Melrose ventured into coaching in 1987. Notably, he served as the head coach for various teams, including the Los Angeles Kings, who reached the Stanley Cup Finals during Melrose's inaugural season. Expressing his gratitude, Melrose stated, "I am incredibly thankful for my hockey career and for having ESPN as my home for nearly three decades. I cherish the amazing memories and will now support you enthusiastically from the sidelines."

The news was initially revealed by John Buccigross, Melrose's trusted broadcast partner at Melrose's long-standing affiliation, ESPN. In a communication through X (previously known as Twitter), Buccigross, who is 57 years old, disclosed that Barry Melrose has Parkinson's disease and intends to withdraw from the ESPN family to allocate more time to his personal affairs. Having collaborated with Barry for a period spanning over 25 years, Buccigross reminisced about their shared moments of enjoyment, featuring cold beers and uproarious laughter in cigar bars filled with smoke. Describing Barry as possessing a remarkably sharp sense of humor, Buccigross also highlighted his punctuality and consistently polished appearance. Expressing his affection towards Barry, Buccigross concluded with an admission of missing him.

Barry Melrose Christian Petersen/Getty Images

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman hailed the analyst as a "remarkable individual" in a statement released on Tuesday. In his extensive career spanning almost half a century as a player, coach, and broadcaster, Barry's immense personality and distinctive approach have undeniably elevated the stature of our sport, making it more thrilling and captivating. Bettman, who is 71 years old, emphasized Barry's unmistakable passion for hockey, which radiates a contagious energy. Engaging in a conversation with him is guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone's face.

Melrose, in his statement, received a message of encouragement as he embarks on this fight with the assurance that he will put forth his utmost effort, as he always does. He is fortunate to have the unwavering support of his wife Cindy Melrose, whom he wed in 1978, and their two sons, Adrien and Tyrell.

Mayo Clinic states that Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nervous system. Similar to Melrose, comedian Richard Lewis retired from stand-up earlier this year after publicly announcing his diagnosis with Parkinson's. Lewis, 75, shared in April that he began experiencing stiffness and shuffling in his feet two years ago, leading him to seek medical advice. After a brain scan, he received the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. However, Lewis remains optimistic as he mentioned that he acquired the condition later in life, which typically results in slower progression, if any. He also expressed his satisfaction with the medication he is currently taking.