Former NHL Goaltender and Broadcaster Greg Millen Dies at 67
Greg Millen, a former NHL goaltender and veteran hockey broadcaster, has died at the age of 67. Millen played 14 seasons in the NHL and transitioned to a triumphant broadcasting career, becoming a familiar voice to hockey fans across Canada. No cause of death was provided.
NHL Career Spanning Six Teams
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1977, Millen went on to play for six NHL teams between 1978 and 1992.His career stops included the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit Red Wings. In 604 career games,Millen recorded 582 starts with a 3.88 goals-against average and an .873 save percentage,as per NHL statistics.
Transition to Broadcasting and Legacy
Following his retirement from professional hockey, Millen began his broadcasting career.He served as a color commentator for the Ottawa Senators during their inaugural 1992-93 season and became a mainstay on national broadcasts. Millen’s broadcast experience included work with CBC’s Hockey Night in canada and NHL on Sportsnet, covering major events such as three Olympic Games, two world Cups of Hockey, 12 Stanley Cup Finals, and 12 NHL All-Star games.
Tributes From NHL Community
the NHL Alumni association released a statement expressing their condolences. “Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Greg’s family at this very difficult time,” the association stated on X, formerly Twitter.
The St. Louis Blues, one of Millen’s former teams, also shared a statement on X: “We are saddened by the loss of former Blues goaltender Greg Millen, who proudly wore the ‘Note from 1985-90. Our thoughts are with all Millen’s family, friends, and fans at this time.”
The Ottawa Senators acknowledged Millen’s early broadcasting contributions, noting, “The Ottawa Senators were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Greg Millen, the first ever #Sens TV colour commentator and a beloved national broadcaster. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and also all of his fans who enjoyed both his hockey career and his part in so many historic game calls.”
The Calgary Flames, where Millen was recently part of the Sportsnet broadcast team, stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Greg Millen’s family and friends following his passing today. After his 14-season NHL career,Greg went into broadcasting and we were so fortunate to have him as a part of our Flames Sportsnet family.Rest in peace, Millsy.”
Sportsnet,where millen spent a significant part of his broadcasting career,released a statement calling Millen “a trusted and familiar voice in the homes of millions of Canadians for more than 30 years.” The statement added, “It is with heavy hearts that we at Sportsnet mourn the passing of Greg Millen, a beloved figure in our hockey community and cherished member of our NHL on Sportsnet team. as both a player and broadcaster, Greg left an indelible mark on the sport, and also everyone who had the pleasure to know him, watch him, and listen to him.”
What was Greg Millen’s primary role in hockey after retiring as a player?
Former NHL Goaltender and Broadcaster Greg Millen Dies at 67
Greg Millen, a former NHL goaltender and veteran hockey broadcaster, has died at the age of 67. Millen played 14 seasons in the NHL and transitioned to a triumphant broadcasting career, becoming a familiar voice to hockey fans across Canada. No cause of death was provided.
NHL Career Spanning Six Teams
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1977, Millen went on to play for six NHL teams between 1978 and 1992.His career stops included the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit red Wings. In 604 career games,Millen recorded 582 starts with a 3.88 goals-against average and an .873 save percentage,as per NHL statistics.
Transition to Broadcasting and Legacy
Following his retirement from professional hockey, millen began his broadcasting career.He served as a color commentator for the Ottawa Senators during their inaugural 1992-93 season and became a mainstay on national broadcasts. Millen’s broadcast experience included work with CBC’s Hockey Night in canada and NHL on Sportsnet, covering major events such as three Olympic Games, two world Cups of Hockey, 12 Stanley Cup Finals, and 12 NHL All-Star games.
Tributes From NHL Community
the NHL Alumni association released a statement expressing their condolences. “Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Greg’s family at this very difficult time,” the association stated on X, formerly Twitter.
The St. Louis Blues, one of Millen’s former teams, also shared a statement on X: “We are saddened by the loss of former Blues goaltender Greg millen, who proudly wore the ‘Note from 1985-90. Our thoughts are with all Millen’s family,friends,and fans at this time.”
The Ottawa Senators acknowledged Millen’s early broadcasting contributions, noting, “The Ottawa Senators were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Greg millen, the first ever #Sens TV color commentator and a beloved national broadcaster. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and also all of his fans who enjoyed both his hockey career and his part in so many historic game calls.”
The Calgary Flames, where Millen was recently part of the Sportsnet broadcast team, stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Greg Millen’s family and friends following his passing today. After his 14-season NHL career,Greg went into broadcasting and we were so fortunate to have him as a part of our Flames Sportsnet family.Rest in peace, Millsy.”
Sportsnet,where millen spent a notable part of his broadcasting career,released a statement calling millen “a trusted and familiar voice in the homes of millions of Canadians for more than 30 years.” The statement added, “It is with heavy hearts that we at sportsnet mourn the passing of Greg Millen, a beloved figure in our hockey community and cherished member of our NHL on Sportsnet team. as both a player and broadcaster, Greg left an indelible mark on the sport, and also everyone who had the pleasure to know him, watch him, and listen to him.”
Greg Millen: Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was Greg Millen?
- Greg Millen was a former NHL goaltender who played for six different teams between 1978 and 1992. After retiring from playing,he became a successful hockey broadcaster,known for his work with CBC’s “hockey Night in Canada” and Sportsnet.
- What teams did Greg Millen play for?
- Millen played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit Red Wings.
- What were Millen’s stats as an NHL goalie?
- In 604 career games, Millen had a 3.88 goals-against average and an .873 save percentage.
- When did Greg Millen start his broadcasting career?
- Millen began his broadcasting career following his retirement from professional hockey in 1992. His first role was as a color commentator for the Ottawa Senators during their inaugural season.
- What major events did Millen cover as a broadcaster?
- Millen covered three Olympic Games, two World Cups of Hockey, 12 stanley Cup Finals, and 12 NHL All-Star Games.
- what is the importance of his nickname “Millsy”?
- “Millsy” was a familiar nickname for Millen, used by his colleagues and fans. It reflects the close connection he had with many in the hockey world.
- How did the hockey community react to his death?
- The NHL community, including the NHL Alumni Association, the St. louis Blues, the Ottawa Senators, the Calgary Flames, and Sportsnet, expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Millen’s contributions to the sport.
Greg Millen’s legacy as both a player and broadcaster will continue to be remembered by hockey fans. Celebrate his contributions by revisiting some of his memorable game calls and broadcasts.
