Photo via Facebook @MillenLeadership
The hockey world and the Peterborough community is in shock today with the devastating news that one of its most cherished sons, Greg Millen, has passed away at the age of 67, following what was believed to be a heart attack. A hockey legend, broadcaster, and proud Peterborough Petes alumnus, Millen’s life was a testament to talent, tenacity, and an enduring connection to the city that shaped him. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of fans across Canada and beyond, but nowhere will it be felt more deeply than here at home.
Born on June 25, 1957, in Toronto, Greg Millen’s roots quickly took hold in Peterborough, where he played three seasons with the Petes, honing the skills that would carry him to the pinnacle of professional hockey. It was here, in the shadow of the Memorial Centre, that Millen became a local favourite even before his name echoed through NHL arenas.
Selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the sixth round of the 1977 NHL Amateur Draft, Millen embarked on a remarkable 14-year career that saw him guard the crease for six NHL teams: the Penguins, Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques, Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit Red Wings, playing in 604 regular-season games and 59 in the playoffs. One of his finest career moments came with the Blues in December 1988, when he became the first NHL goaltender since Tony Esposito in 1972 to record three consecutive shutouts, a feat that remains a point of pride for Peterborough hockey lore.
After hanging up his pads in 1992, Millen traded the crease for the broadcast booth, where his sharp hockey mind and warm personality made him a household name for a new generation of fans. As a colour commentator for Hockey Night in Canada, TSN, and later Sportsnet, Millen brought the game to life with insight gained over decades in the sport. His voice became a comforting constant for fans tuning in and his stories, often peppered with nods to his Peterborough roots, endeared him to millions.
Locally, Millen was more than a celebrity; he was family, and he never strayed far from his roots, always staying connected with the community that helped shape his career, the place he continued to call home long after his playing days with the Petes were over.
Millen’s contributions extended beyond the ice and airwaves. He was a tireless advocate for local charities, often lending his name and time to causes like the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, the Gainey Foundation, and minor hockey programs in the area. He also helped launch the Peterborough Professional Hockey Alumni Association, along with several other former pros, which has raised more than $500,000 for local youth. He is survived by his wife Ann and their four children.
For those who knew him, Greg Millen wasn’t just a hockey star or a voice on TV. He was the underdog who made it big, a family man, the neighbour who never forgot his roots, and the friend whose laughter could fill a room. His legacy shines in the chronicles of hockey history, but it’s written in the heart of Peterborough, a city that will forever call him its own.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
