Remembering Larry Brooks

I thought I had more time.

It’s not every day you find someone who is both a mentor and a close friend. For me, that was Larry Brooks.

I still struggle to say “was.” Honestly, if it were up to us, Larry and I would have continued as the New York Post’s Rangers beat team indefinitely. He had no plans to slow down until he passed away early Thursday morning at 75 from this cruel disease.

We had so much fun. There’s an abundance of stories left unwritten and countless memories still to create. I mean, there was so much more to learn from him.

Having one of the most respected voices in the hockey world as a guide? It felt like lightning in a bottle. Like many of you, I had known of Larry since I started following the NHL back in 8th grade.

He was a giant in hockey, with a reputation that was truly formidable.

His deep understanding of the game, combined with insight into the teams he covered (both Islanders and Rangers), and the sharp humor in his writing made his weekly NHL column, Slap Shot, essential reading for all hockey fans.

There was always something surprising in his articles. In fact, he had a way of making even the hidden details feel impossible to miss if you weren’t paying full attention.

Whether it was breaking news or in-depth coverage of labor talks, Larry was on top of everything.

He was more invested in the NHL and the Rangers than anyone else I knew. It was a reflection of the many years he dedicated and the relationships he built throughout the league, including his experience covering the Devils.

His creativity in reporting was unmatched. Larry had a knack for using words that resonated deeply. Whether he was dubbing Henrik Lundqvist “The King” or critiquing a poor performance, his words always had a lasting impact on me.

I remember an NHL GM once threatening Larry’s agent, saying a trade would be nixed if it ended up in the New York Post the next day.

We had our disagreements but always ended up laughing. Larry and I could talk about everything, but hockey? We could go on for hours. Even after spending ten days on a trip together, we’d still text the next day as if there was so much more to catch up on.

We worked hard to arrange our schedules around the US Open just to be together, even if it was mostly just hanging out. Fifty days of playoffs leading up to 2022 weren’t enough for us.

It felt that way since I first met him as a 21-year-old intern back in 2018.

It quickly morphed into a close partnership.

Larry was a private person, yet he welcomed me in. While working alongside him was the high point of my career, getting to know him personally was a true honor.

He had a strong ambition to excel, and he did. He lived for hockey and took his work incredibly seriously.

With ten years as the Devils’ public relations director, both on the team side and media side, Larry had a unique perspective that might never be replicated.

He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a 2018 Elmer Ferguson Award recipient and recognized by The Hockey News multiple times as one of Hockey’s 100 Most Powerful People. Truly, he was one of the greatest sportswriters of our era.

Yet, beyond all these accolades, he cherished being a proud father, a devoted grandfather, and a loyal friend and colleague.

Whether you loved him or not, you respected him and understood him.

Larry, the world we both cherished will never feel the same without you. Thank you for your guidance, your support as a partner, and most importantly, your friendship. I’ll always treasure our time together, honoring your legacy every day.

I wish I had more time.