Legendary Hockey Journalist Larry Brooks Dies at 75

The sports world is mourning the loss of Larry Brooks, the Hall of Fame hockey writer who spent decades defining coverage of the New York Rangers and the NHL for the New York Post. Brooks, who passed away at 75 on November 13, 2025, was known for his sharp insight, relentless questioning, and deep love for the game.

While fans remember Brooks for his fiery press-conference exchanges and authoritative columns, there was much more to the man behind the byline. Before entering the press box, he earned a degree in English Literature from Brown University, and his early interest in writing was more literary than journalistic. However, his analytical mind and passion for hockey naturally steered him toward sports reporting, where his command of language gave his columns their trademark precision and punch.

In a surprising career twist, Brooks took a detour from journalism in the late 1980s to work on the other side of the rink, joining the New Jersey Devils' communications department. This firsthand insight into how teams manage the media experience later sharpened his reporting instincts. Colleagues also recall his quiet generosity in mentoring younger reporters, believing in passing down the craft of hockey writing through late-night editing sessions, off-record advice, and candid feedback.

Brooks's legacy extends beyond his prolific columns. In 2018, he received the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award, marking his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame's media wing. True to his nature, he viewed the accolade not as personal glory but as validation for the power of tough, informed journalism in sports. Even into his seventies, Brooks maintained the same deadline discipline he'd shown as a rookie reporter, filing columns from every corner of the NHL map until his final bylines.