ESPN started its coverage of the 2026-27 NHL season by paying tribute to the broadcaster who helped grow the game in the United States.
The network remembered longtime analyst Barry Melrose, who died on Sept. 9, three years after retiring from broadcasting because of a Parkinson's disease diagnosis.
Melrose, 70, a former NHL player, had coached the Los Angeles Kings, going to the Stanley Cup Final in 1993, before joining ESPN. He was known for his astute analysis, sense of humor, suits and mullet.
Steve Levy, who called games with Melrose, introduced the new ESPN hockey studio on Tuesday, Sept. 29. At the end, the camera panned to a caraciture of Melrose on the boards, featuring his mullet, goatee and trademark cigar.
ESPN is rolling out a fresh
sheet for the '26-'27 #NHL season with its most technologically advanced studio yet@espnSteveLevy takes fans inside Studio W featuring real-time virtual environments, UHD capability & 148M pixels Including a visual nod to the late Barry Melrose pic.twitter.com/XEZJ4Yzczt
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) September 29, 2026
"It's going to be a great season," Levy said as he kneeled. "Barry, we love you. We're going to miss you, pal."
After further video tributes to Melrose on "The Point," Levy said, "Hopefully, the NHL will do the right thing. Hopefully, a moment of silence in all those NHL buildings starting tonight to honor our pal and colleague."
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ESPN's new NHL studio features tribute to the late Barry Melrose
