BREAKING NEWS: NHL Legend Journalist Larry Brooks Passes Away at the Age of 75.Larry Brooks, a legend in NHL journalism and a veteran writer for the New York Post, has passed away at the age of 75. Connor McDavid, star of the Edmonton Oilers, has called on the Oilers and all NHL teams to observe a moment of silence before each game in memory of Larry Brooks — a journalist who dedicated his life to hockey and was a leader in the field of sports reporting. McDavid’s statement has sparked an emotional movement across the sports community, showcasing love and respect for Brooks and the values he brought to the sport. Read more 👇👇

The hockey world mourns the loss of legendary journalist Larry Brooks, who passed away at the age of 75 after a brief battle with cancer.

📚 A Career That Defined Hockey Journalism

Brooks began his long tenure with The New York Post in 1975 and became synonymous with hockey coverage, especially for the New York Rangers.

He served as the beat writer, columnist and voice for hockey for nearly four decades.

In 2018, he received the prestigious Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award (which recognizes distinguished hockey journalism) and was accepted into the Hall of Fame of his peers.

Beyond reporting, he was an influential figure among his peers — a mentor, truth-teller, defender of journalistic access and integrity.

💬 Tribute From the Hockey Community

Gary Bettman, Commissioner of the NHL:

> “Larry Brooks … will long be remembered in the hockey world for his insightful analysis not only of the New York Rangers but the entire NHL…”

The Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) remembered Brooks as a “must-read” reporter and a champion for access and journalists’ rights.

Tributes poured in across teams, media and player ranks — underscoring the respect Brooks commanded not just as a writer, but as a voice of the game.

🕒 Legacy & Impact

His “Slap Shots” column in the Post became a mandatory read for hockey fans, especially in the New York area.

He covered generations of hockey — from the Islanders’ dynasties to the Rangers and Devils — always with deep knowledge and fearless insight.

More than reporting games, Brooks understood the soul of the sport — its players, its culture, its fans — and brought that to life in his writing.

His mentorship helped shape new generations of hockey journalists, passing on both craft and passion.

🙏 A Call for Tribute

According to recent reports, star player Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers has urged NHL clubs to observe a moment of silence before each game in memory of Larry Brooks — a moving testimony to Brooks’ reach and influence across the sport.

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📝 In Memory

Larry Brooks leaves behind his son Jordan, daughter-in-law Joanna and two grandchildren. His wife Janis pre-deceased him in 2020.

His absence will be felt deeply — in dressing rooms, press boxes, readers’ editions and the broader hockey community. But the legacy he built — of unflinching journalism, genuine love for the game and devotion to telling its stories — will endure.