Another titan of the hockey community passed on to the beyond. Only four months into 2025, and the NHL fraternity has already had to deal with multiple heartbreaks. And now, Greg Millen, another iconic member of the hockey world has embarked on the great voyage, and his colleagues seem to be having a tough time coming to terms with the blow.
For over three decades, Greg Millen has been a part of CBS’s Hockey Night in Canada. While his long career cemented his reputation as one of the best NHL goalies of his time, Millen’s commentating days made him a household name in Canada. Justifiably, not having him around in the broadcasting room will take some time for Greg’s colleagues to get used to.
The official Sportsnet X handle posted on the platform on April 7 to note its sadness about Greg Millen’s unfortunate demise. The former hockey netminder worked with the sports network for a long time, and host David Amber was visibly struggling to hold back his emotions while bidding his final goodbye to his former colleague. “I’m sad to pass along some devastating news from the hockey community and our Sportsnet family tonight. Our friend and colleague, Greg Millen, has passed away early this morning. After being drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Greg had a memorable 14-year NHL career where he won more than 200 games for six different teams,” Amber can be heard saying into the camera.
David Amber reflects on the life and legacy of Greg Millen. pic.twitter.com/niECvbRBaS
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 8, 2025
“Following his NHL career, Greg has been an analyst on Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada for the past 30-plus years. More importantly, Greg was a loving husband to his wife, Anne, and a beloved father,” Adam sought to celebrate the fulfilling life that Millen lived. He went on to remember how the departed commentator brought a fresh air into the broadcasting room with “his sharp sense of humour and strong passionand intellect.”
When the NHL community got to learn about Greg Millen’s passing, they fondly remembered how their hockey experience was heightened by the color commentator’s wisdom and insights into the game. The Toronto native was 67 years old when he passed away, and fans couldn’t stop underscoring this heartache about how his time on the planet was woefully cut short. But this hasn’t been the only thing that’s left the fans in tatters.
Greg Millen is the latest NHL icon to be taken away from us
In January, former Capitals goalie and Ottawa broadcaster Shawn Simpson tragically died at the age of 56. A beloved member of the Ottawa community, Simpson’s demise left a gaping hole within the hockey community in his native city and beyond. ‘I think that’s what made him so popular on the radio. He was himself, good and bad, and when he spoke about his struggles with mental health and the fact that he didn’t try to hide it, I think that really spoke to a lot of people,” said John Rodenburg, Shawn’s colleague from TSN1200.
If that wasn’t enough for the hockey community, news of Mark LaForest, fondly known as “Trees”, passing away once again sent shockwaves among the fans earlier this month. Having worn 17 pro sweaters throughout his career, LaForest established himself as a formidable force on the ice. “A true character, great person and even better friend,” Toronto Maple Leafs broadcaster and Simpson’s former minor league teammate Jim Ralph noted.
Naturally, it suffices to say that it hasn’t been a great year for a hockey fan. Greg Millen’s death only added to the misery. How are you dealing with the constant sadness? Share your suggestions with us to help others have the determination to push through in a comment!
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