“Scoops! Scoops!”

That boisterous greeting was my telltale sign that I was in an arena where Greg Millen was also present. Before I even spotted him, his familiar voice would echo through the hallways, bursting with energy and humor.

“What’s up, Scoops? What scoops are you working on today? What trouble are you stirring up now?” he’d fire off in quick succession, always followed by his trademark hearty laugh. That was the essence of Millsey—quick to deliver a light-hearted jab and always ready with the last laugh.

Though he'd long since transitioned from goaltender to broadcaster, Millen never lost his insider's perspective. His years as an analyst for Sportsnet covering the Toronto Maple Leafs illustrated how deeply he immersed himself in the game. He wasn’t shy about weighing in on our reporting, often teasing the beat writers when he felt we were chasing the wrong narrative.

Among his colleagues, it was understood: Millsey had a pulse on the city’s sports journalism. His preparation was extensive; however, he might have balked at the idea that his enthusiasm for Toronto media was part of his research.

You always sensed Millen was present during a game—not just through his resonant voice or conscientious calls but by the unpredictable spills and laughter in the press box. Known for his love of pranks, one of his favorite gags involved sticking a pin in the bottom of a paper coffee cup. The moment an unsuspecting reporter went for a refill, the ensuing chaos was always a sight to behold.

On Monday night, after the NHL Alumni Association announced Millen’s sudden passing at 67, this prank was soon memorialized in a flood of messages among those who knew him.

Greg Millen was a seasoned NHL veteran, with a career that spanned over 600 games across 14 seasons with teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hartford Whalers, and Chicago Blackhawks. He often shared stories about the rigors of commercial travel and the lack of comforts available to players in the 1980s—a far cry from the luxury today’s players enjoy.

Transitioning from player to broadcaster, Millen secured a coveted role on “Hockey Night in Canada” and partnered with legendary play-by-play announcer Bob Cole, contributing to memorable broadcasts, including Cole's farewell game in 2019.

Outside the rink, Millen was passionate about his family—his wife Ann and their four children, Caroline, Emily, Allison, and Charlie. He was also proud of earning a master's degree in leadership from the University of Guelph in 2014, leading him into roles as a teacher and consultant.

In recent years, as our paths diverged—me traveling less frequently while he focused on Calgary Flames broadcasts—I reached out during the Christmas holiday. Millen replied, expressing that he missed his old colleagues but had found a welcoming new “family” in Calgary.

This reference to family is illuminating, as it reflects how he treated everyone around him.

In 2016, during a profoundly difficult period when my mother fell ill, I found myself at a crossroads between my family and my job. When my mother passed away, we coincidentally held her funeral at the height of the NHL All-Star Weekend, making it hard for many colleagues to attend. To my astonishment, Millen showed up. He made a 45-minute drive unannounced, offering his respects without ever having met my family.

Unless you've faced such loss, it's tough to explain how significant that gesture was amid overwhelming grief. It left me deeply touched and awestruck.

Today, my heart aches knowing Millsey’s family is now facing their own grief following his unexpected departure. I hope they find comfort in their cherished memories of him.

Beneath the gruff exterior and playful teasing lay a man of great integrity and kindness. Greg Millen understood that life extended far beyond the parameters of the game and the latest scoop, reminding his colleagues and friends of what truly mattered.

As we gather memories of a beloved player and broadcaster, we honor a genuine soul who made everyone feel like family. We will remember him not just as an NHL great but as a remarkable human being whose spirit will forever resonate in the halls of hockey.