Remembering Larry Brooks: A Hockey Writing Legend

There were many great nights, but perhaps the standout was the evening Larry Brooks wandered the Madison Square Garden press area. With his hands casually tucked into his front pockets and a notebook hidden in the back, he seemed to carry a secret story—one that most of us were eager to uncover.

It was understood: he had the inside scoop. The players, upper management, and everyone else in the know were aware that if you wanted information about the Rangers, Devils, or Islanders, Larry was the go-to source. Hockey fans, hungry for updates, knew exactly where to turn.

“A post should be a must-read, not just something you read first,” he often said. While he was mostly spot on, I think he underestimated his own significance in shaping sports journalism over his 38 years in the field. His influence resonated deeply with readers until Thursday morning when he passed away after a brief battle with cancer.

At 75, Larry leaves behind his son Jordan, daughter-in-law Joanna, and two grandchildren, Scott and Reese. Sadly, his wife Janice had passed in 2020.

“He was always near the action,” said Dave Maloney, a broadcaster for the Rangers, who first encountered Larry during Maloney’s rookie season. “He’s a Hall of Famer in his own right and often faced challenges head-on.”

That Hall of Fame recognition was real; one highlight of his career was receiving the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.

“For the last 30 years, no one has covered sports in this city like Larry,” remarked Chris Shaw, the Post’s sports editor. “Long before he was officially honored, he was already a legend in our pages.”

Players he covered recognized his talent too. Sean Avery, who spent six seasons with the Rangers, expressed that “Brooksey had a unique ability to capture the essence of the game. Those who understood the culture of the Rangers connected with him.”

James Dolan, CEO of MSG Sports, shared, “What many don’t realize is that beyond covering the team, Larry often shared candid opinions with me. His insights were invaluable, and I’ll miss them terribly.”

One notable aspect of his career included a well-known rivalry with former Rangers coach John Tortorella. Although they clashed at the time, they later reconciled. This week, Tortorella reached out to Brooks, with Jordan reflecting on how meaningful that connection was for her father.

Brooks didn’t shy away from defending his players and causes he believed in, such as advocating for Brad Park’s jersey retirement with the Rangers. He also famously dubbed Henrik Lundqvist as “King Henrik.”

While Brooks was devoted to hockey, he had a varied career. At the Post, he covered the legendary “Bronx Zoo” game against the Yankees in 1977 and quickly proved himself among seasoned baseball writers, as noted by colleague Steve Jacobson.

A couple of weeks ago, he experienced an unexpected radio moment when he announced the trade of Tom Seaver from the Mets to the Reds, facing skepticism from audiences who hoped he was wrong.

In 1982, after a decade with the Devils as vice president of public relations, Brooks developed friendships that spanned years, particularly with GM Lou Lamoriello. Their bond was built on mutual respect and candid communication.

Growing up a devoted Rangers and Yankees fan, Brooks admired the pioneering writers of the past and wanted to ensure that future generations upheld that same commitment. When Molly Walker stepped into his shoes as the Post’s Rangers reporter, she sought his guidance, which he humorously delivered by suggesting she read the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement.

In a mentorship that transcended years, the two shared a passion for doing the job authentically. “He was the best hockey writer of the last 50 years,” said longtime friend Mark Everson. “The Post was fortunate to have him.”

Everson also recounted Brooks’ advocacy for reporter access and how he once broke a significant story during the 2003 Stanley Cup Final, further asserting his position in the industry.

Brooks continued to engage passionately with the sport until his final days, reflecting on his all-time favorite players. As Lamoriello light-heartedly noted, even in his last moments, he remained connected to the game through his family.

Avery added a personal wish for Brooks’ grandson, hoping he’d recognize the impact his grandfather had on hockey.

In essence, Larry Brooks wasn’t just a voice in sports journalism; he was a powerful force in the hockey world and will be missed dearly.