The former NHL goalkeeper and hockey announcer for a long time, Greg Millen, died at age 67.
The NHL student association announced his death on Monday, but did not provide a cause.
Millen spent 14 years at the NHL of 1978-92, playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, Chicago and Detroit’s red wings.
Toronto’s native was a selection of sixth round (102 in general) in the 1977 NHL draft by the Penguins. Millen played in 604 race games, making 582 openings and registering an average of 3.88 goals against and a savings percentage of .873.
“Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Greg’s family at this very difficult time,” said NHL students’ association in an X statement, previously known as Twitter.
It is with heavy hearts we share the sudden death of Greg Millen today. He played 14 seasons among the Pipes of the National Hockey League for six teams: Pittsburgh Penguins, Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings … pic.twitter.com/8BW05ZGSX6
“We are saddened by the former Blues Millen goalkeeper, who proudly used the 1985-90 note. Our thoughts are with the whole family, friends and fans of Millen at this time,” said St. Louis Blues in a statement about X.
It was immediately transmitted after the conclusion of his career, covering the Senators of Ottawa during their inaugural season in 1992-93.
“The OTTAWA senators were deeply saddened by listening to the death of Greg Millen, the first television commentator.
Millen was also part of CBC’s hockey night in Canada and NHL in Sportsnet. In total, he covered three Olympic Games, two world hockey drinks, 12 Stanley Cup finals and 12 NHL stars games.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Greg Millen after his death today. After his career in the NHL of 14 seasons, Greg entered into transmission and we were very fortunate to have him as part of our flame sportsnet family. Rest in peace, Millsy,” said Calgary Flames in a statement about X.
In a statement that passes its condolences in X, Sportsnet called millen a “reliable and familiar voice in the houses of millions of Canadians for more than 30 years.”
“It is with heavy hearts that in Sportsnet we cried the death of Greg Millen, a loved figure in our hockey community and appreciated a member of our NHL team in Sportsnet. As a player and announcer, Greg left an indelible brand in sport, as well as all those who had the pleasure of meeting him, looking at him and listening to him.”
