“On this Monday, many of us lost a great and loyal friend. A man who put family above anything else, and yet he was so passionate about the game he loved, and the game he broadcast,” wrote hockey announcer John Shannon. The sportscaster recalled how, Greg Millen, despite not winning the NHL’s great prize, became one the sport’s most loved personalities through his sheer love for the game.
In fact, few had rubbed shoulders with some of the greatest individuals that the game has ever seen as Greg Millen did. Starting his journey with lofty aspirations, “Millen accomplished something, every Canadian kid aspires to do. He played in the NHL,” said Shannon. Yet, Millen had already played alongside Wayne Gretzky as a junior. His first coach? Hall of Famer Roger Neilson.
Greg Millen played 14 seasons of hockey in the NHL. Wondering who he played for? A more appropriate question would be: Who didn’t he play for? In his 600 hockey games in the league, Millen took on goaltending duties for the Penguins, Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings, and other renowned teams. No wonder his passing devastated the community.
“Sad to lose such a class act. RIP Millsy!!!” a fan commented on X. Yet, Greg Millen’s playing career of only one dimension of passion for hockey. After his playing career Millen opened a new chapter by turning announcer. The 68 approached his new job just the way he had done when goaltending on the ice. “He wanted to be great,” added Shannon.
This is a sad day around here.
Many of us in the broadcast and hockey community lost a great friend today. Greg Millen worked hard to stay in the NHL for 14 seasons, and worked even harder on his craft as a broadcaster.
He loved the game so much. pic.twitter.com/NuIzOFk2a9
— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) April 8, 2025
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