Dane Jackson reflects on mentorship from late hockey executive Barry Melrose

Dane Jackson recently shared memories of the late Barry Melrose, who died this week at age 70. Melrose, a former hockey coach and ESPN personality, hired Jackson for his first head coaching position with the minor league Adirondack Frostbite in 2005. Jackson credited Melrose for being a supportive mentor who prioritized a positive culture and player development. Melrose publicly praised Jackson’s ability to manage a difficult midseason transition and develop rookies, which ultimately helped launch Jackson’s career. The pair later reconnected during NCAA Frozen Four tournaments where Melrose served as a television analyst. Melrose had been battling Parkinson's disease since 2023.

• 2:34 PMYahoo Sports — Dane Jackson fondly remembers Barry Melrose, who gave him his first head coach job