With a .873 save percentage and a 3.88 goals-against average, Greg Millen certainly made a name for himself as a respectable goalie. Playing for six teams over 14 seasons, Millen cemented himself as an elite star with 604 games to his name. However, it was his role in the NHL off the ice that made him a household name in his native country. Naturally, with the netminder leaving behind the mortal world, hockey fans are in a state of mourning.

Thanks to his unmissable coverage style, the Calgary Flames’ color broadcaster has become a popular voice in every Canadian household in recent years. However, the 1977 NHL draft pick passed into the great unknown on Monday, leaving fans tending a bleeding heart.

The official NHL Alumni Association X account shared news of Millen’s passing with a social media update on April 6. “It is with heavy hearts we share the sudden passing of Greg Millen today,” the post noted his heartbreak at having to bid goodbye to yet another veteran of the game. The former NHL star was 67 years old at the time of his death.

“Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Greg’s family at this very difficult time,” the recent X post stated with a brooding tone. His former teams also shared their condolences across social media platforms. Soon, fans and other NHL community members came forward, noting their sadness after learning about Greg’s sudden demise.

“Still trying to process this heartbreaking news. I’ll forever cherish the time we spent together in the booth watching the game we love. Gone way too soon. Love ya Millsy,” wrote Millen’s young colleague and broadcaster Ryan Moir, who, despite their age difference, managed to form a close bond with the seasoned commentator. More hockey connoisseurs joined in to note their final goodbyes.

The NHL community is fighting to come to terms with Greg’s unfortunate end to life

Right after finishing his goaltending duties, Greg Millen hopped into the NHL broadcasting box, and began to show his acumen for the role instantly. Right after his netminding days were over, Millen took up broadcasting duties for the Senators’ first-ever NHL season (1992-93). For 11 years, he stayed with Ottawa as its color commentator and also became a crucial part of CBS’s Hockey Night in Canada team. His years as a broadcaster saw him cover everything hockey: from Stanley Cup finals and NHL All-Star matches to several World Cups of Hockey, as well as two Olympic Games. A storied commentator, Greg was also a fan-favorite among Calgary fans. “He was just on TV on the Flames road trip what a great voice and knowledge of the game, he will be missed,” wrote one fan, admitting that Greg’s passing is a “shocker“.

In the 1988-89 season, while playing for the St. Louis Blues, Millen arguably had his best season in the NHL. With six shoutouts, Millen finished fifth in voting for the Vezina Trophy, and it looks like the folks over at the Blues camp still fondly remember his contributions during that campaign. “We are saddened by the loss of former Blues goaltender Greg Millen, who proudly wore the ‘Note from 1985-90. Our thoughts are with all Millen’s family, friends, and fans at this time,” St. Louis wrote in a statement on X. “That hit me like a slap shot,” one fan said, continuing to find it hard to swallow the hard pill.

After news of Millen’s death came to light, Sportsnet mourned noting that he was a “trusted and familiar voice in the homes of millions of Canadians for more than 30 years.” Fans shared the sentiment. “Greg was one of the good guys ..RIP,” reads one fan’s comment. “That’s horrible,” said another Flames fan. With multiple NHL legends passing away in recent months, it’s been a sad time to be a hockey fan, we’d surmise. Were you also a fan of Millen’s infectious enthusiasm and his passion for the game? Tell us your memories of the NHL legend in a comment!