Celebrating Greg Millen: The NHL Legend, Beloved Broadcaster, and Prankster Who Brought Colleagues Together Like Family

I’ll always remember the sound of Greg Millen’s voice echoing down the halls of the NHL. He’d call out my nickname, “Scoops!” and dive right into a flurry of questions about the latest stories. Millsey had a way of mixing humor with a bit of playful ribbing that always brought a smile.

He spent years sharing his expertise as a Sportsnet analyst for the Toronto Maple Leafs. From behind the microphone, he never held back on sharing his opinions, especially when he thought reporters were missing the mark. Whether it was myself or others like Jonas Siegel and Mike Zeisberger, we knew Millsey was reading our work. He was always prepared, which showed in his sharp commentary during games.

Anyone who watched him broadcast knows he had a mischievous side. I’ll never forget how he would play pranks, like the classic coffee cup gag. He’d poke a hole in the bottom of a cup, secretly watching as an unsuspecting reporter discovered their coffee leak. This mischievousness was part of his charm, and many of his friends reminisced about it after hearing the sad news of his passing at 67.

Millen’s hockey career was impressive; he played over 600 games with teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings. He often shared stories from the 1980s about the struggles of traveling and playing without the comforts today’s players enjoy. His journey took him from the ice to the broadcast booth, where he became a familiar voice during “Hockey Night in Canada,” and had the privilege of calling legendary games alongside Bob Cole.

But beyond hockey, Millsey was deeply invested in his family. He often spoke of his wife, Ann, and their four children, Caroline, Emily, Allison, and Charlie. In 2014, he earned a master’s degree in leadership from the University of Guelph, which opened new doors for teaching and consulting.

In recent years, I hadn’t seen him as much, but our occasional texts kept our connection alive. He had transitioned to cover the Calgary Flames, and I missed hearing his insights on the Leafs. His response to my message always reminded me of his warmth: “Miss the crew as well, but thankfully my new Calgary family is a good group!”

This approach to family extended beyond blood ties. I’ll never forget a difficult time in my life when my mother was in the hospital. Millsey drove 45 minutes just to attend her funeral, a gesture that meant the world to me. He didn’t know my family well, yet he showed up with support and kindness during one of my darkest moments.

Such actions reveal the true character of Greg Millen. Beneath the teasing and playful front, he was a man of immense kindness and strength. He reminded us all that life is about more than just hockey or the next scoop.

As his family now faces their grief, I hope they find comfort in their cherished memories with him. Millsey may be gone, but his spirit and the lessons he imparted on friendship and caring will remain with us always.



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Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, NHL