Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada colour commentator Greg Millen, who played 14 seasons in the NHL, passed away early Monday. He was 67.
The former goaltender, who most recently had been part of the Calgary Flames broadcast team, was first drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1977. The Toronto native went on to stints with the Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings.
After ending his hockey career in the early ’90s, Millen became the television colour commentator for the Ottawa Senators for 11 seasons, accompanied by play-by-play announcers, including Don Chevrier, Rob Faulds and Dean Brown. Millen and Chevrier went on to lead CTV’s 1994 Winter Olympics hockey coverage.
Millen joined CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada in 1995, going on to handle colour for the network’s secondary broadcast team, initially with Chris Cuthbert and then Jim Hughson. He joined the lead team, alongside Bob Cole, in 2007. That same year, he became the Toronto Maple Leafs lead TV colour commentator on Sportsnet Ontario, alongside Joe Bowen. Since 2014, he had worked across Rogers Sports & Media’s hockey television broadcasts, primarily with the Flames. Over his 30+-year career, Millen covered three Olympics, 12 Stanley Cup Finals, a dozen NHL All-Star Games, and two World Cups of Hockey.
“As both a player and a broadcaster, Greg left an indelible mark on the sport as well as everyone who had the pleasure to know him, watch him, and listen to him,” Sportsnet said in a statement released Monday.
David Amber reflects on the life and legacy of Greg Millen.
pic.twitter.com/niECvbRBaS
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 8, 2025
Sportsnet made the call to not produce its own broadcast of the Calgary Flames / San Jose Sharks match-up Monday evening, following news of Millen’s passing.
“Greg loved life, loved his family and loved hockey,” Sportsnet host David Amber told viewers. “And we loved him. Out of respect for Greg’s family, his fans, his friends and colleagues, tonight Sportsnet will not be producing a Flames telecast. We will instead be showing the San Jose Sharks broadcast of tonight’s game. Rest in peace, Greg.”
The Toronto Maple Leafs are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of longtime broadcaster and goaltender, Greg Millen.
A respected NHL netminder and a trusted voice in hockey for over three decades, including Leafs TV, Greg brought insight, passion, and warmth to every… pic.twitter.com/mJCXVrzYVJ
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) April 8, 2025
Very difficult day for the sports world. We lost an incredible man today in Greg Millen. Kindness personified.
Sending condolences to his beloved family. We are holding you in our thoughts. #gregmillen pic.twitter.com/4a4q1NOUmu
— Jody Vance (@jodyvance) April 8, 2025
This is a sad day around here.
Many of us in the broadcast and hockey community lost a great friend today. Greg Millen worked hard to stay in the NHL for 14 seasons, and worked even harder on his craft as a broadcaster.
He loved the game so much. pic.twitter.com/NuIzOFk2a9
— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) April 8, 2025
The NHL is saddened by the passing of Greg Millen, a veteran of 14 NHL seasons as a goaltender and more than three decades as a broadcaster. Millen will be missed as a respected TV analyst on Hockey Night in Canada and with Sportsnet. Our thoughts are with his family, his… pic.twitter.com/JpKfRNbSWi
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) April 8, 2025
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, as well as all of his fans who enjoyed both his hockey career and his part in… https://t.co/0TKowNDY3N pic.twitter.com/Gul92dkuZq
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) April 7, 2025
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. pic.twitter.com/uki6GjPW0h
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) April 7, 2025
We are saddened by the passing of NHL alumnus and broadcaster Greg Millen.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/BSV6UFvHXS
— x – Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) April 8, 2025
Trouble finding the words right now, but here it goes. The sudden and unconscionable loss of a dear friend, Greg Millen.
The hockey world is small, but it’s got a big heart. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/9dAzTSlvIG— John Bartlett (@BartsBytes) April 8, 2025
