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ESPN NHL analyst, former Cincinnati Stingers player, Barry Melrose has Parkinson's disease

Scooby Axson, Cincinnati Enquirer
·2 min read
Cincinnati Stingers' Barry Melrose in the 1977-78 season.
Cincinnati Stingers' Barry Melrose in the 1977-78 season.

NHL analyst Barry Melrose has Parkinson's disease and will be retiring from ESPN, the network announced Tuesday.

"I've had over 50 extraordinary years playing, coaching and analyzing the world's greatest game, hockey. It's now time to hang up my skates and focus on my health, my family, including my supportive wife Cindy, and whatever comes next," Melrose said in a statement.

"I'm beyond grateful for my hockey career, and to have called ESPN home for almost 30 years. Thanks for the incredible memories and I'll now be cheering for you from the stands."

Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects the nervous system and body parts controlled by the nerves. It can cause stiffness or slowing of movement and noticeable tremors and there is no cure.

The 67-year-old Melrose joined the network in 1996 and left for a brief period in June 2008 to accept the Tampa Bay Lightning's head coaching job.

He was fired just 16 games into his stint with Tampa Bay and rejoined the network in 2009.

JUNE 11, 1976: Cincinnati Stingers' Gregg Carroll, left, and Barry Melrose, no hockey sticks available, look down on a Reds game at Riverfront Stadium.
JUNE 11, 1976: Cincinnati Stingers' Gregg Carroll, left, and Barry Melrose, no hockey sticks available, look down on a Reds game at Riverfront Stadium.

Before joining ESPN, he coached the Los Angeles Kings and led the Kings to the Stanley Cup Final in his first season in 1992-93, losing in five games to the Montreal Canadiens.

Melrose joined the Cincinnati Stingers of the World Hockey Association for the 1976-77 season, and played for them until the league ceased operations after the 1978-79 season.

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His 178 games played ranks eighth in Stingers' history. His 343 penalties minutes is second in club history, including a single-season record of 222 in 1978-79.

"Barry is a unique, one-of-a-kind person," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement to ESPN. "And hockey on ESPN won't be the same without him. For nearly 50 years, as a player, coach and broadcaster, Barry's gigantic personality and trademark style have made our game bigger, more exciting and more entertaining. His love for hockey is obvious and infectious. And it is impossible to have a conversation with him without a smile on your face.

"Barry, we wish you well in this fight and know you will give it everything you have — as you always do."

FEBRUARY 9, 1979: Stingers defenseman Barry Melrose applies a headlock to Jets' Scott Campbell in a second period scuffle along the boards at Riverfront Coliseum. Both were assessed five minute major fighting penalties.
FEBRUARY 9, 1979: Stingers defenseman Barry Melrose applies a headlock to Jets' Scott Campbell in a second period scuffle along the boards at Riverfront Coliseum. Both were assessed five minute major fighting penalties.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ESPN's Barry Melrose has Parkinson's disease, will retire from network