Barry Melrose, Detroit Red Wings defenseman?
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To a generation of hockey fans, Melrose was the voice of the game, the American version of Don Cherry on ESPN’s NHL broadcasts. But to a previous generation of hockey fans, Melrose was a journeyman NHL defenseman with the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, and finally, the Red Wings.
Melrose, who died Wednesday at the age of 70, closed out his NHL career playing 35 games for Detroit from 1983-86. The Wings signed him as a UFA in the summer of 1983.
He played his last NHL game for the Red Wings on February 1, 1986.
Melrose also played four seasons for the Adirondack Red Wings, Detroit’s AHL farm club at the time. He completed his pro hockey career with that club in 1986-87.
He actually turned pro in the old WHA, playing three seasons for the Cincinnati Stingers.
As a player, Melrose was known more for his muscle than his mobility.
“Barry is a hard-nosed competitive player who likes to move bodies in front of the net,” Red Wings GM Jim Devellano said after signing Melrose. “He’ll add some toughness to our team.”
Three Red Wings From Same Saskatchewan Town
Melrose and two other former Red Wings players all hailed from the tiny Saskatchewan farming town of Kelvington, population 900. Joe Kocur and Wendel Clark also came from Kelvington.
“All three of us are related, at least through marriage,” Kocur said. “When the town’s that small, you pretty much have to be related.”
After his playing days, Melrose first turned to coaching. Melrose led Adirondack to an AHL Calder Cup title.
He guided the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final.
He turned to the broadcast booth in 1996, joining ESPN as an NHL analyst. With his stylish suits and trademark mullet, Melrose became a sort of cult hero, much like the following that Cherry fashioned on Hockey Night In Canada’s Coach’s Corner.
He retired from ESPN in 2023 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
