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Hall of Fame NHL reporter passes away at 75, leaving a lasting legacy
Photo credit: Edit from Daily Faceoff
Hall of Fame NHL reporter Larry Brooks, known for his intense feuds with former coach John Tortorella, has sadly passed away at the age of 75.
A legendary figure in hockey broadcast journalism is no longer with us. A renowned columnist for the New York Post, as well as a Hockey Hall of Fame contributor, Larry Brooks passed away Thursday at age 75 after a brief fight with cancer.
What led to Larry Brooks' influence in the hockey world
His influence in both his line of work and in professional hockey is unmistakable. He began his work at The Post in 1976, covering news of the New York Islanders, as well as the New York Yankees during their run in 1977.
He began to cover news of The Rangers in 1978 until he left in 1982 to work in the front office of The New Jersey Devils, where he served as senior vice president of communications for a decade.
He returned to journalism in 1993 to cover the Devils, then took up the Rangers beat three years later.
In 1995, he began his popular Sunday column, Slap Shots, which quickly became a regular feature for fans in New York and beyond in the world of hockey.
Brooks also received national attention for his heated interactions with former Rangers head coach John Tortorella, whom he criticized in ways that became entertaining, funny, and even legendary.
As reported by The Post, Tortorella even contacted him this past week, years after they appeared to have mended fences.
Why Larry Brooks became so synonymous in the game of hockey
For more than 38 years at The Post, he established himself as one of the most respected and contentious hockey journalists, as he won the prestigious Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award in Toronto in 2018 for his contributions to the game.
"In recognition of distinguished members of the newspaper profession whose words have brought honor to journalism and to hockey."
He also served as president of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association from 2001 to 2003.
He is survived by his son, Jordan, his daughter-in-law, Joanna, and his two grandchildren. He will be sadly missed in this sport. Rest in peace, Brooksie.
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