The passing of Larry Brooks has left the sports media world reeling. Brooks, the distinguished columnist for the New York Post and a fixture in hockey coverage for decades, passed away at the age of 75 after a brief battle with cancer. His death marks the end of an era in sports journalism — the kind of era in which Larry Brooks not only reported the story but helped shape how we understand the sport of hockey.
From Rookie Clerk to Hall of Famer
Larry Brooks’s journey is an illustration of grit, evolution, and relentless coverage. He joined the New York Post in 1975, initially working overnight shifts before earning his stripes covering the New York Islanders and eventually the New York Rangers. His unique voice grew out of New York’s intense media landscape and the demanding beat of the NHL.
Over nearly four decades, Brooks became known for his weekly column “Slap Shots,” which dissected the Rangers, the league, its players, and the media covering them. His work earned him the elite Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award and induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018. His death is more than a notable passing — the story of Larry Brooks is the story of modern hockey journalism.
Why Larry Brooks Mattered
Journalistic tenacity and access: Brooks stood out not just for opinions, but for his reporting. In the Locker Rooms, among the executives, and inside the press box, the story of Larry Brooks was the story of access earned and insights gained. He asked hard questions, uncovered narratives, and made readers feel they were right beside the rink with him.
Influence on the Rangers and hockey coverage: For one of the NHL’s largest media markets, Larry Brooks became the voice of a team and a sport. His columns shaped how fans discussed the Rangers and the league. Whether covering key trades, coaching shifts, or off-ice controversies, the “Larry Brooks” byline meant authority and engagement.
Mentorship and impact: He wasn’t just reading the room — he shaped the room. Brooks mentored younger reporters, defended access for athletes and media alike, and helped shape standards in hockey journalism. The story of Larry Brooks includes the countless journalists who credit him for guidance, tough questions, or simply doing the grind with integrity.
Defining Moments and Legacy
Several chapters in the story of Larry Brooks stand out:
- His transition from covering the Islanders to the Rangers, and his stint in communications with the New Jersey Devils, show a full‑breadth understanding of the sport from multiple sides.
- His return to the Post in 1993 to resume as beat writer and serve until his medical leave this season highlighted loyalty to craft and location.
- His receipt of the Elmer Ferguson Award in 2018 cemented his legacy among hockey’s most respected media figures.
These moments demonstrate that Larry Brooks was not merely a columnist but a chronicler of an era — of New York hockey, of media’s evolution, and of changing relationships between sports, press, and fandom.
The Industry Reacts: Impact and Tributes
When the news of Larry Brooks’s passing broke, tributes poured in across the hockey world. Coaches, players, executives, and peers all acknowledged the magnitude of his contribution. Former Rangers coach John Tortorella, once adversarial in his interactions with Brooks, called him an “icon” and emphasised the respect borne of consistency and integrity.
The Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) also released statements mourning the loss of a “lion of the industry.” Indeed, the story of Larry Brooks is not just a New York story — it is a hockey‑media story.
What the Passing of Larry Brooks Means for Media Coverage
- Loss of a bridge between fans and sport: Larry’s column connected everyday readers to the inner workings of the NHL. Without him, that perspective loses a singular voice.
- Challenge for the next generation: The “Larry Brooks” era emphasised accountability, deep knowledge, and loyalty to beat reporting. As media becomes more digital and instantaneous, maintaining that level of expertise and trust is harder.
- Reflection on access and journalism standards: Brooks exemplified how beat‑reporting matters — knowing the players, the league’s structure, the human behind the helmet. His legacy reminds newsrooms that speed is valuable, but so is depth.
The Man Behind the Byline
It’s often said that the story behind the storyteller is the most compelling. In the case of Larry Brooks, several human elements emerge:
- He was known affectionately as “Brooksie” among colleagues and sources.
- He battled health issues in recent weeks, taking a leave of absence before passing, but remained connected to his profession until the end.
- Tributes emphasise his generosity—despite a reputation for biting analysis, those who knew him point to a mentor who would answer younger reporters’ calls and share insight.
Ultimately, the narrative of Larry Brooks is rooted in both toughness and humanity.
Final Word
When one writes the story of Larry Brooks, they are writing about more than one man’s career—they are writing about how hockey journalism evolved, how one reporter shaped coverage of one of the world’s greatest sports, and how the media beat remains vital. His departure leaves a void, but the principles he stood for endure: integrity, access, fairness, and the pursuit of the narrative.
As the hockey world memorialises his contributions, readers and reporters alike can reflect on the legacy of Larry Brooks and how his work mattered, and will continue to matter, in how hockey is experienced and understood.
Credit: SportBuzzHub – Current date: 14 November 2025
