The hockey world lost one of its most recognizable and beloved voices with the sudden passing of Gregory H. Millen. A former National Hockey League (NHL) goaltender who transitioned into a legendary, three-decade career as a national sports broadcaster, Millen died of a heart attack on April 7, 2025, at a hospital in Bracebridge, Ontario. He was 67. Known for his sharp analytical mind, his warm demeanor, and his profound dedication to his family, Millen left an indelible mark on the sport of hockey and the millions of fans who welcomed him into their living rooms every Saturday night.
Early Life & Education
Born on June 25, 1957, in Toronto, Ontario, Greg Millen’s lifelong romance with hockey began on the local rinks of his youth. He developed his foundational skills in minor hockey, notably participating in the prestigious Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments. His formal path to the professional leagues was paved during his standout junior career. Millen spent three pivotal seasons guarding the net for the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), while also logging a brief stint with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
His agility, rapid reflexes, and deep understanding of the game caught the attention of professional scouts. This led to his selection by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the sixth round (102nd overall) of the 1977 NHL Entry Draft, marking the beginning of a professional journey that would span over four decades in various capacities.
Career Zenith & Contributions
Millen’s professional playing career spanned 14 seasons in the NHL, from 1978 to 1992. As a goaltender, he was known for his resilience and ability to handle a heavy workload. He proudly wore the jersey for six NHL franchises: the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit Red Wings. He played 604 regular-season games, earning 17 shutouts and compiling a 3.88 goals-against average. One of his finest statistical campaigns occurred during the 1988–89 season with the St. Louis Blues, where he led the NHL with six shutouts and finished fifth in the voting for the Vezina Trophy. He also proudly represented Canada on the international stage, earning a bronze medal at the 1982 Ice Hockey World Championships in Finland.
Following his retirement from the crease in 1992, Millen seamlessly transitioned into the broadcast booth, where he would leave an arguably even larger footprint on the sport. He began as the inaugural television color commentator for the expansion Ottawa Senators during the 1992–93 season. His deep expertise, combined with a genial, accessible, and often fun-loving delivery, soon made him a national fixture.
For over 30 years, Millen was a staple on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada and Rogers Sportsnet. His broadcasting resume is a testament to his elite standing in the industry: he called 12 Stanley Cup Finals, 12 NHL All-Star Games, two World Cups of Hockey, and three Winter Olympic Games. Notably, the legendary play-by-play announcer Bob Cole specifically requested Millen to be his analyst for his final broadcast in 2019, a profound honor that underscored Millen’s esteemed reputation among his peers.
Leadership & Affiliations
Beyond the ice and the broadcast booth, Millen was a respected leader and community advocate. He was an active and cherished member of the NHL Alumni Association, utilizing his platform to support the welfare of former players. Recognizing the importance of community and grassroots development, Millen co-created the Peterborough Professional Hockey Alumni Association and founded summer goalie camps in Peterborough to cultivate the next generation of netminders.
His collaborative spirit extended to his broadcasting colleagues, who universally respected his professionalism and preparation. Whether mentoring young broadcasters or sharing a laugh in the press box, Millen’s leadership was defined by his kindness and his genuine desire to see others succeed.
Legacy & Impact
The news of Greg Millen’s passing in April 2025 sent shockwaves through the hockey community. Tributes poured in from the NHL, the Alumni Association, former teammates, and broadcasting partners. Out of respect for his immense contributions, Sportsnet paused its regional broadcast production on the night his death was announced, a rare and poignant tribute to a man who was the heartbeat of their coverage.
Despite his public accolades, Millen considered his family to be his greatest achievement and his truest legacy. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of nearly 45 years, Ann; their four children, Allie, Emily, Caroline, and Charlie—who followed in his father’s footsteps as a professional goaltender; and eight beloved grandchildren. A true family man, Millen never let his demanding travel schedule prevent him from supporting his children’s endeavors, always placing his loved ones above his career.
A Celebration of Life honoring Greg Millen was held on April 17, 2025, at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, gathering friends, family, and the hockey community to pay tribute to a life exceptionally well-lived. In lieu of flowers, his family requested that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Greg Millen will be remembered not only for his saves on the ice and his insights on the air, but for the warmth, generosity, and joy he brought to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.