Legendary Hockey Writer Larry Brooks Dies at 75

New York, NY — Larry Brooks, a revered hockey writer for the New York Post, died Thursday morning at the age of 75 after a brief battle with cancer. Brooks was known for his extensive coverage of the New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, and New York Islanders over a career spanning nearly four decades.

Born on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Brooks possessed a deep love for hockey and sports journalism. He often roamed the press level at Madison Square Garden with a poker face, a notebook in his back pocket, and a keen sense for authentic stories. His colleagues and readers recognized him as a significant voice in sports. “We all do what we can to make it so. And this is my small part of that,” he frequently remarked about his role at the Post.

Brooks leaves behind a son, Jordan, daughter-in-law Joanna, and two grandchildren, Scott and Reese. His wife Janis passed away in 2020. In honor of Brooks, tributes poured in from those he worked with. “He was a Hall of Famer at what he did,” said Dave Maloney, a broadcaster for MSG TV. Maloney highlighted Brooks’s ability to connect with players and his unmatched understanding of the game.

In 2018, Brooks was honored with the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award by the Hockey Hall of Fame, recognizing his exceptional coverage of the sport. Chris Shaw, Executive Sports Editor of the Post, stated, “For the last three decades, no one covered a sports beat in this city better than Larry did.”

Players also acknowledged his impact on and off the ice. “Brooksie could change the momentum of a game with the swipe of his pen,” remarked Sean Avery, a former Rangers player. James Dolan, CEO of MSG Sports, added that Brooks’s insights about the Rangers were invaluable and will be dearly missed.

Brooks’s career included an influential stint as the vice president of communications for the New Jersey Devils, where he formed a long-standing friendship with General Manager Lou Lamoriello. Lamoriello praised Brooks for his honesty and dedication to the sport. “One thing you always knew about Larry was that he’d tell it like it is,” Lamoriello said.

Brook’s legacy will live on through his writing, mentorship, and passion for hockey. His friendships with younger journalists, including Mollie Walker, exemplified his dedication to the craft. He encouraged Walker to familiarize herself with the NHL labor agreement, stressing the importance of understanding the game deeply.

Mark Everson, a fellow writer, described Brooks as “the best hockey writer of the past 50 years,” emphasizing his commitment to accurately reporting the sport. Even as technology and sports media evolved, Brooks remained a strong advocate for journalists and access to players, exemplifying his long-standing dedication to the field.

As fans mourn the loss of a giant in hockey journalism, Brooks’s legacy as a passionate and committed storyteller will endure in the hearts of both readers and players alike.