Greg Millen – Calgary Flames: A Veteran Goaltender’s Impact on the Franchise
Greg Millen has become a fixture in Calgary Flames broadcasts, bringing his hockey expertise to fans across Canada. As a colour commentator on Hockey Night in Canada and the NHL on Sportsnet, Millen primarily covers Flames games with his distinctive analytical style. His extensive NHL playing experience as a goaltender gives him unique insights that enhance Calgary broadcasts.
While Millen’s technical analysis receives praise from hockey purists, his broadcasting style has sparked debate among the Flames faithful. Some fans have voiced concerns about his delivery, describing it as monotone, while others appreciate his straightforward approach to game commentary. The former Toronto native’s journey from NHL netminder to broadcaster represents a successful post-playing career transition in the hockey world.
Contents
Career Overview
Greg Millen, born June 25, 1957, had a significant impact during his time with the Calgary Flames as part of his 14-season NHL career. The Canadian netminder played for six different teams throughout his professional journey.
Millen’s stint with the Flames was marked by steady performance between the pipes. He brought valuable experience to Calgary’s goaltending corps after previous NHL stops.
His career statistics show a goaltender who could steal games when at his peak. Notably, he experienced his first winning season in 1987-88, finishing with a solid 21-19-7 record.
The following season proved even more impressive for Millen. He won 22 games and recorded a league-leading six shutouts in 1988-89, demonstrating his ability to completely neutralize opposing offenses.
| Season | Team | Games | Wins | Losses | Ties | Shutouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987-88 | NHL | 47 | 21 | 19 | 7 | – |
| 1988-89 | NHL | – | 22 | – | – | 6 |
After hanging up his skates, Millen transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting. He became a respected hockey commentator-analyst, bringing his goaltending expertise to television audiences.
Flames fans appreciate his straightforward approach to commentary. He calls games honestly and isn’t afraid to offer constructive criticism when warranted, focusing on the action rather than personal anecdotes.
Early Years and Personal Life
Greg Millen’s journey from small-town Ontario to NHL prominence shows his deep hockey roots and commitment to family values. His early development in junior hockey and later community engagement efforts have shaped both his professional career and personal legacy.
Emergence in Hockey
Born on June 25, 1957, Greg Millen grew up in the hockey-rich communities of Aylmer and Tillsonburg, Ontario. These small towns provided the perfect backdrop for a young goaltender to develop his skills.
Millen’s talent became evident during his junior hockey days in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). His quick reflexes and positional awareness caught scouts’ attention early.
Unlike many prospects who struggle with the transition to professional play, Millen showed remarkable poise. His junior statistics demonstrated his potential:
| Season | Team | League | Games | Win-Loss-Tie | GAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975-76 | Sault Ste. Marie | OHL | 55 | 29-20-6 | 4.12 |
| 1976-77 | Sault Ste. Marie | OHL | 61 | 35-18-8 | 3.98 |
Family and Community Engagement
Millen’s commitment to family has been a constant throughout his hockey career and broadcasting work. Despite the demanding NHL schedule, he prioritized time with his wife and children.
His roots in Aylmer and Tillsonburg remain strong. Millen frequently returns to participate in local charity events and youth hockey clinics.
The former goaltender established several community initiatives in cities where he played, including Calgary. His annual youth goaltending camp has helped develop numerous local talents.
Millen’s approach to community work mirrors his playing style—quiet, consistent, and effective. He prefers hands-on involvement rather than publicity-seeking events.
His foundation work focuses primarily on providing hockey equipment to underprivileged children, ensuring the sport remains accessible to all.
Professional Playing Career
Greg Millen’s NHL career spanned over a decade with multiple teams where he established himself as a reliable goaltender. After hanging up his pads, he successfully transitioned to broadcasting where he’s become a fixture covering Calgary Flames games.
NHL Achievements
Millen’s professional hockey journey began when he was drafted by Pittsburgh. Born in Toronto on June 25, 1957, the Canadian netminder carved out a substantial NHL career.
Throughout his time in the league, Millen suited up for several teams including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, and New York Rangers.
His career statistics reflect his longevity and consistency between the pipes:
| Category | Regular Season | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 600+ | 56 |
| Record | 215-284-89 | 27-29 |
| GAA | 3.88 | 3.43 |
| Save % | .873 | .885 |
| Shutouts | 17 | – |
Despite playing on some struggling teams, Millen recorded 17 shutouts during his career, showcasing his ability to deliver elite performances.
Transition From Player to Broadcaster
After retiring from professional play, Millen didn’t stray far from the ice. He found his second calling in broadcasting, applying his goaltending expertise to hockey analysis.
Millen’s broadcasting career has flourished over the years. He established himself as a respected voice in hockey commentary, bringing insider knowledge and goaltender perspective to viewers.
Today, he serves as a colour commentator on Hockey Night in Canada and the NHL on Sportsnet. His primary focus is covering Calgary Flames games, where he’s become a familiar voice to fans.
His transition from player to broadcaster represents one of the more successful post-playing careers in hockey. Millen’s ability to articulate the game’s nuances has made him a valuable addition to broadcast teams.
Flames fans appreciate his insights during broadcasts, particularly his analysis of goaltending techniques and game strategies that casual viewers might otherwise miss.
Broadcasting Career
Greg Millen transitioned seamlessly from his NHL goaltending career to the broadcast booth, establishing himself as one of hockey’s most respected commentators. His analytical style and straightforward approach have made him a fixture in Calgary Flames broadcasts.
Sportsnet and Hockey Commentary
Millen’s broadcasting journey began shortly after hanging up his goalie pads when he covered the Ottawa Senators during their inaugural 1992-93 season for Molstar. His goaltending expertise translated naturally to analysis, giving viewers unique insights into the game’s strategic elements.
As a current Flames TV commentator, Millen brings over three decades of broadcasting experience to Sportsnet’s coverage. His commentary style is particularly appreciated by fans for its candor and technical depth.
What sets Millen apart is his willingness to call games objectively. Unlike commentators who avoid criticism, he doesn’t hesitate to point out mistakes while maintaining focus on game action rather than tangential stories.
Partnerships and Collaboration
Millen works alongside a talented broadcast team at Sportsnet. He serves as a game analyst for Flames broadcasts, collaborating with Kelly Hrudey and host Ryan Leslie.
The broadcast team was recently strengthened with the addition of Jon Abbott as the new play-by-play voice, creating a dynamic regional broadcast partnership. This trio brings complementary strengths to Flames coverage, with Millen providing technical goaltending insights, Hrudey offering broader hockey analysis, and Leslie hosting seamlessly.
Their chemistry enhances Flames broadcasts significantly, with Millen’s straight-talking approach balancing perfectly with his colleagues’ styles. The collaboration represents Sportsnet’s commitment to quality NHL production for the Calgary market.
Calgary Flames Connection
Greg Millen has established a significant presence within the Calgary Flames organization as a respected broadcaster. His commentary has become a familiar voice for Flames fans tuning in to watch their team compete throughout the NHL season.
Role with the Flames
Greg Millen currently serves as a colour commentator on Hockey Night in Canada and the NHL on Sportsnet, primarily covering Calgary Flames games. He works alongside other broadcast team members including Kelly Hrudey and host Ryan Leslie.
When Jon Abbott joined as the new play-by-play voice of the Flames on Sportsnet, Millen remained an integral part of the broadcast team. The announcement confirmed Millen would continue his analysis role in the booth.
Millen’s commentary style has generated mixed reactions from the Flames fanbase. Some fans have expressed frustration with certain aspects of his analysis, as evidenced by discussions within Calgary Flames fan communities.
His distinctive terminology, such as referring to the shootout as “The Skills Competition,” has become one of his recognizable broadcasting traits noted by Flames supporters.
Flames Community Impact
Beyond the broadcast booth, Millen has contributed to the Calgary community through various hockey-related initiatives. His experience as a former NHL goaltender gives him unique insights that he shares with young goalies in the Calgary area.
Millen participates in Flames alumni events, connecting with fans and supporting charitable causes important to the organization. These appearances help strengthen the bond between the team and its supporters.
The broadcaster has lent his voice to various Flames Foundation fundraising efforts, using his profile to amplify community outreach programs. His involvement extends to youth hockey development in the Calgary region.
Millen’s presence at community events helps bridge generations of Flames fans, connecting those who remember his playing days with newer supporters who know him primarily through his broadcasting work.
Notable Events and Contributions
Greg Millen’s career extends well beyond his time in net for NHL teams. His expertise and broadcasting skills have made him a respected voice in hockey, particularly for Calgary Flames coverage and international events.
Olympics and International Championships
Millen’s broadcasting career reached global audiences through his work covering prestigious international hockey tournaments. During the 1994 and 2002 Olympic Winter Games, he provided expert analysis that helped viewers understand the nuances of international competition.
His commentary during these Olympic tournaments showcased his deep knowledge of the game’s international variations. Millen brought the same analytical approach to World Men’s Hockey Championships and World Junior Hockey Championship broadcasts.
Advancements in NHL Broadcasting
Millen established himself as a fixture in NHL broadcasting, particularly as a colour commentator on Hockey Night in Canada and NHL on Sportsnet. He primarily covers Calgary Flames games. His analysis brings technical depth without overwhelming casual viewers.
As one of Sportsnet’s lead analysts, Millen helped modernize hockey broadcasting. He did this through detailed breakdowns of goaltending techniques and team systems. His preparation for broadcasts includes studying recent game footage and statistical trends.
Millen’s Broadcasting Roles:
| Network | Position | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Sportsnet | Lead Studio Analyst | Calgary Flames, NHL |
| CBC | Colour Commentator | Hockey Night in Canada |
| Olympic Broadcasts | On-Air Analyst | 1994, 2002 Games |
Working alongside play-by-play partners, Millen developed a reputation for insightful commentary that explains the “why” behind the action. His contributions to hockey broadcasting continue to influence how the game is presented to fans.
Legacy and Influence
Greg Millen’s impact on the Calgary Flames and hockey in general extends far beyond his playing days. His contributions both on and off the ice have helped shape the organization and influenced countless young players and broadcasters.
Milestones and Recognitions
Millen’s career statistics tell the story of a resilient netminder who faced adversity head-on. Throughout his 14-year NHL career, he appeared in over 600 regular season games. He finished with a 215-284-89 record, 3.87 goals-against average, and 17 shutouts.
His broadcasting career has earned him equal recognition. As a colour commentator for Hockey Night in Canada and the NHL on Sportsnet, he has become known for his straightforward analysis.
Unlike many broadcasters, Millen isn’t afraid to be critical when necessary. Flames fans appreciate that he calls it how it is and doesn’t shy away from negative commentary when warranted.
| Career Highlights | Statistics |
|---|---|
| NHL Games Played | 600+ |
| Career Record | 215-284-89 |
| Career GAA | 3.87 |
| Career Shutouts | 17 |
| Playoff Record | 27-29 |
Inspiring the Next Generation
Millen’s greatest contribution may be his work with youth hockey programs throughout Calgary. His passion for developing young talent has led to mentorship roles with several minor hockey teams in the region.
Despite his modest height as a goaltender, Millen demonstrated that determination could overcome physical limitations. He was known for being acrobatic and cutting down angles – techniques he now teaches to young goaltenders.
His energy during broadcasts and community events has made him a beloved figure. Young broadcasters study his straightforward, knowledgeable commentary style.
The Flames ownership group has repeatedly acknowledged Millen’s contributions to the organization’s culture and community presence. His legacy continues to grow as both a player who gave his all and a broadcaster who speaks with integrity.
Professional Relationships
Greg Millen has built significant professional connections within the hockey broadcasting world and Calgary Flames organization. His collaborative approach and industry expertise have helped him develop strong relationships with colleagues and executives alike.
Collaboration with Fellow Analysts
Millen works closely with several key figures in the Flames broadcast team, most notably Kelly Hrudey as a fellow color analyst. Their on-air chemistry creates a balanced perspective for viewers. Millen often focuses on technical aspects, while Hrudey adds personality-driven insights.
The addition of Jon Abbott as the new play-by-play voice created fresh dynamics within the broadcast booth. Abbott’s arrival necessitated adjustments from Millen, who demonstrated professional flexibility in adapting his analytical style to complement the new voice.
Their broadcast schedule typically alternates, with Millen covering approximately 35-40 games per season. This rotation keeps the analysis fresh while maintaining consistency for viewers.
Involvement with Sports Leadership
Millen maintains productive relationships with Calgary Flames executives, including interactions with Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation leadership. His broadcasting perspective provides valuable insights for organizational decision-makers.
The former goaltender has particularly strong connections with Robert Hayes, who values Millen’s technical understanding of the game. This relationship has helped secure Millen’s position within the organization despite broadcast team changes.
Millen’s contract details remain private, though industry standards suggest top hockey analysts at Sportsnet typically earn between $150,000-$225,000 annually depending on experience and market size.
Future Prospects
Greg Millen has firmly established himself as a colour commentator for the Calgary Flames on Sportsnet. He brings decades of hockey knowledge to broadcasts and has become a staple for Flames fans alongside fellow analyst Kelly Hrudey.
The broadcasting team saw a recent addition with Jon Abbott joining as the new play-by-play voice of the Flames. This refresh suggests Sportsnet’s commitment to maintaining quality hockey coverage for years to come.
Millen’s straightforward approach has garnered appreciation from viewers. Unlike some commentators who shy away from criticism, he calls games honestly and doesn’t hesitate to offer constructive critiques when warranted.
Broadcasting Team Dynamics:
| Role | Personality | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Greg Millen | Direct, analytical | Honest game assessment |
| Kelly Hrudey | Insightful, experienced | Technical breakdowns |
| Ryan Leslie | Engaging, informative | Host and updates |
| Jon Abbott | New addition | Play-by-play expertise |
Millen’s future with the Flames broadcasts appears secure as viewers appreciate his no-nonsense style. He focuses on the game rather than tangential stories, avoiding lengthy digressions that might distract from the action.
The NHL broadcasting landscape continues to evolve with streaming services and digital platforms expanding coverage options. Millen’s traditional expertise paired with modern delivery systems positions him well for continued relevance in sports broadcasting.
