Mike

[Mike @Simonds44]

@BrianMunzTSN @DarrenDreger Thought this was a meaningful idea, had to join in. Saint John, New Brunswick. #humboltstrong #BroncoHockey

[Joe Pompliano @JoePompliano]

The other angle of the situation at the Knicks parade yesterday is insane. A group of strangers jumped into action and ended up saving his life with Narcan.

[Mike @Simonds44]

@heatdaddy69420 Go off King

[Elliotte Friedman @FriedgeHNIC]

Yesterday's Bobby McMann arrival for game in Toronto...tremendous gesture

[Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie]

I was simply going to say that Larry Brooks was the best at what he did and leave it at that. 

But that does not begin to do him or his career/life justice because, honestly, he was the only one who did what he did.

Brooksie was the quintessential five-tool hockey writer whose talent and versatility were unparalleled.

I would put him in the pantheon of greatest game story writers alongside Red Fisher and Jason Botchford and, working at The Post, he had to do it in a lot fewer words.

His Sunday Slap Shots was the gold standard for an NHL notes column — pointed, informative, irreverent and poignant — which was no mean feat in the internet era where so many weekly notes columns went to die.

Larry (The Post has learned…) could break news with the best of them. He was incisive and plugged in.

He was also hockey media’s biggest power hitter. He was fearless. His columns and takedowns were often epic and not only could he wield the flame thrower, he could take the white hot heat, too. 

But for all of that there was often a real humanity to him and his work, a lot of  warmth, understanding and empathy. 

As an old-school hockey writer,  Larry Brooks was the total package. 

When Larry congratulated me after I received the Elmer Ferguson Award in 2015, I must admit I was a little sheepish because he had not yet received it. I told him exactly that and, thankfully, in 2017 that situation was rectified.

Back in the old days, Larry and I occasionally sparred, especially during NHL lockouts (there was no shortage of those) but in the last decade or so we became pen pals of sorts. Just two older guys sharing an age/stage of our professional lives and enjoying the setting sun. He was nothing if not kind and caring. 

The love he had for his family shone brightest, beyond all else, and my deepest condolences go out to them at this time of loss.

🙏

Larry Brooks really was one of a kind.

-30-

[Fore Play @ForePlayPod]

What would Beef do if he won the @Internetinvite money?

Donate to charity. Pay off his parents’ house.

Just the type of guy Cody Franke was, man.

RIP ❤

[Mike @Simonds44]

@RearAdBsBlog RA, in fairness you are usually up to 3! Just crushing whatever late night classic comes on.

[Fore Play @ForePlayPod]

Rest easy, Beef.

Forever the Head Golf Professional of the Fore Play podcast.

[Mike @Simonds44]

@TSNBobMcKenzie Enjoy the 🍷 Congrats on a legendary career!

[Mike @Simonds44]

@Bergerino @MissinCurfew @FriedgeHNIC I think it’s also just that all these teams have gotten really good. All 3 guys in Florida had made anywhere from 30-72 million, it’s easier to leave money on the table in those situations. Canadian media would suck to deal with.

[Ryan Whitney @ryanwhitney6]

This deserves an Oscar

[Tim Thompson @b0undless]

Dear Canada, I felt compelled to make something. To stick up for, and to honour. To show our strength, beauty, genius, empathy, light & heart. It's made with deep gratitude for the people and places of this beautiful land. Vive le Canada 🇨🇦❤️✌️💪 https://t.co/UNXJ0UusP1

[Mike @Simonds44]

@Bergerino @Buccigross Oh yah I’m just saying if he doesn’t play, I can’t see them winning the cup. I don’t think they even get out of the East without him.

[B/R Open Ice @BR_OpenIce]

Jon Cooper: “Somebody be selfish and shoot it in the net.”
Connor McDavid: *scores on the very next shot* 🤯🔥

[Made In Canada @MadelnCanada]

MCJESUS 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[Mike @Simonds44]

Should be in the Dominican but instead I’m in my basement. Thanks to @NSspiritCo for keeping the stress down.

[Mike @Simonds44]

@SunwingVacay It won’t let me DM you because I am not verified.

[Mike @Simonds44]

Hey @SunwingVacay I just got delayed again flying from Fredericton to Punta Cana. It says there is a weather delay which is just plain false. Weather is good in both places. Can you just be honest and tell me when we can actually get there. Now down 2 days of sun!