Hockey legend and longtime ESPN personality Barry Melrose has died at age 70 following a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Melrose, instantly recognizable to generations of hockey fans for his trademark mullet, sharp suits and colorful television personality, spent decades both on the ice and behind the microphone.

His death was first reported by ESPN, where Melrose became one of the network’s most recognizable hockey analysts.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman remembered Melrose as an “unmistakable figure” whose passion and analysis could “boost your love of the game.”

ESPN also paid tribute to Melrose, calling him “one of the most distinctive and trusted voices in hockey.”

Born in Saskatchewan, Canada, Melrose began his professional playing career with the Cincinnati Stingers before making his way to the NHL.

During his playing days, he suited up for the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.

Melrose retired as a player in 1987 while with the Adirondack Red Wings and quickly moved behind the bench.

His biggest coaching breakthrough came in 1992, when he led Adirondack to a Calder Cup championship.

One year later, Melrose was handed the reins of the Los Angeles Kings, where he coached a star-studded team led by Wayne Gretzky.

Melrose guided the Kings all the way to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final before Los Angeles ultimately fell to the Montreal Canadiens.

He joined ESPN in 1996 and quickly became a fan favorite.

With his unmistakable voice, bold suits and famous mullet, Melrose brought a personality to hockey coverage that was difficult to miss.

He briefly returned to NHL coaching with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008 before returning to broadcasting.

Melrose remained a familiar face on ESPN for years before stepping away from television in 2023 after announcing that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

His death marks the loss of one of hockey television’s most recognizable personalities and a man whose career stretched from NHL locker rooms to living rooms across America.