Opening Paragraph
Larry Brooks died on Thursday, November 13, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer, ending the storied career of one of America’s foremost hockey journalists. The veteran writer, best known for his work covering the New York Rangers and for his long tenure at the New York Post, was 75 years old.
Career Highlights of Larry Brooks
- Brooks began his journalism journey with the New York Post in 1975, working as a part-time clerk before moving into full-time reporting.
- He shifted to covering hockey in the late 1970s, covering the New York Islanders, and then the Rangers, including their 1979 Stanley Cup Final appearance.
- From 1982-1992 he left journalism briefly to serve as Senior Vice President of Communications for the New Jersey Devils.
- He returned to the New York Post in 1993 and went on to become one of the most influential voices in hockey coverage.
- In 2018 he received the prestigious Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame in recognition of his distinguished newspaper journalism in hockey.
Circumstances of His Passing
The announcement came on November 13, 2025, confirming that Brooks died after a brief battle with cancer. Colleagues and media peers described his passing as a major loss to the sport of hockey journalism. His wife Janis predeceased him in 2020; he is survived by his son Jordan, daughter-in-law Joanna, and grandchildren Scott and Reese.
Impact on Journalism and Hockey Coverage
Brooks was widely respected for both his access and his authoritative voice in the locker rooms and among players, coaches, and executives. His coverage of the Rangers and the broader NHL in the New York market spanned almost four decades.
Peers praised his fearlessness and professionalism:
“Larry Brooks was a giant of American hockey writing, as tough and fearless as anyone I have known in the business.”
— Neil Best
His style combined insider knowledge, compelling storytelling, and a deep love of the sport. For readers in the U.S., his columns offered both critical insight and human interest—bringing the players, teams, and the sport itself closer to fans.
Legacy Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1975 | Joined New York Post as part-time clerk. |
| Late 1970s | Shifted to covering NHL teams (Islanders, Rangers). |
| 1982-1992 | Senior VP Communications, New Jersey Devils. |
| 1993 | Returned to New York Post as full-time columnist. |
| 2018 | Received Elmer Ferguson Award, inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame. |
| 2025-11-13 | Passed away at age 75 after brief cancer battle. |
Tributes and Reactions
Following the announcement of his death, public figures from the worlds of journalism and sports responded:
- Keith Olbermann wrote: “I am deeply saddened… Larry Brooks was once a baseball best guy here and considerate to punk kids like me 46 long years ago.”
- Executive Sports Editor Chris Shaw of the New York Post said Brooks “earned a place among the legends who have graced the pages of The Best Sports in Town.”
- Other journalists and broadcasters echoed similar sentiments, noting how Brooks set a high bar for reporting, access and authenticity.
What This Means for Fans and the Media
For U.S. hockey fans, especially those following teams like the New York Rangers, the passing of Larry Brooks means losing a longstanding voice that chronicled key eras of the sport. His departure leaves a gap in institutional memory and in the tradition of robust print journalism within hockey.
For media professionals, Brooks’ legacy highlights the impact a dedicated beat reporter can have—not just in numbers of articles, but in building relationships, covering pivotal moments and shaping how a sport is perceived.
Looking Ahead
As publications and teams reflect on Brooks’ contributions, his work will remain as reference material: columns, interviews, features and coverage that captured the evolution of the NHL and its cultural significance in America. From the Islanders’ dynasty era to the Rangers’ recent chapters, Brooks’ voice chronicled it all.
His award-winning body of work and his reputation for integrity underscore the importance of journalism that balances access with accountability.
Closing Line
If you have a memory of Larry Brooks or thoughts on his impact, feel free to share in the comments below and stay tuned for further tributes and reflections.