The hockey world is mourning the loss of Larry Brooks, the legendary New York Post columnist whose career spanned decades and whose fiery 2010 confrontation with coach John Tortorella became an internet sensation. Brooks passed away on Thursday morning at 75 years old following a brief illness.
A Hall of Fame Career Cut Short
Brooks, who had taken a medical leave of absence at the start of the current NHL season, was recently diagnosed with cancer. For over three decades, he was the definitive voice on hockey in New York, covering the Rangers, Islanders, and Devils with unparalleled insight and passion.
His legacy was cemented in 2018 when he received the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame, an honor recognizing excellence in hockey journalism. Chris Shaw, Executive Sports Editor at the New York Post, paid tribute, stating, "For the last three decades, no one covered a sports beat in this city better than Larry did on the Rangers. Well before the Hockey Hall of Fame enshrined him, Larry had already earned a place among the legends."
The Viral Moment and Lasting Impact
Beyond his print work, Brooks became a household name for hockey fans after a January 21, 2010, post-game press conference went viral. Following a 2-0 Rangers loss to the Flyers, Brooks asked coach John Tortorella a question about a third man entering a fight.
The exchange escalated quickly. Tortorella refused to take questions from Brooks, citing a previous "sarcastic" article. The confrontation became a defining moment of Brooks's fearless style, with the reporter holding his ground as the coach questioned if he had ever been in a fight and quipped, "You were probably beat up at the bus stop most of the time."
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement honoring Brooks, saying, "Larry didn’t pull punches and when you read his work, you always knew where he stood. He was a staunch advocate for the players and for the reporters who cover the game."
Remembered as a Player's Advocate
Former NHL player Sean Avery, who played for the Rangers, highlighted Brooks's unique influence. "Brooksie could change the momentum of a game with the swipe of his pen," Avery told The Post. "The guys that really understood playing for the Rangers all had a good relationship with Brooksie because he loves hockey players."
This advocacy extended beyond the players to his fellow journalists, cementing his role as a pillar of the hockey community. His voice was one of the most respected and, at times, one of the most feared in the sport.
Larry Brooks is survived by his son, Jordan, daughter-in-law, Joanna, and two grandchildren. His wife, Janis, passed away in 2020.
