‘Bruce meant a whole lot’: hockey world reacts to the death of Bruce McCurdy

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Cult of Hockey writer Bruce McCurdy died in the early morning hours of April 2, 2025. I’ll have more to say in days to come, as I’m still in shock.

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But I think Bruce would be appreciative of what the hockey world is saying about him. I’ve gathered together some of those thoughts, starting with Bruce’s final social media post, his trademark “Never in doubt” after a close Oilers win against Vegas on Tuesday night, followed by a post from Bruce’s son Kevin, an excellent hockey writer himself, who at times did our Cult of Hockey podcast with his father.

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Kevin McCurdy @McCurdy1987
This will be the hardest thing I’ve ever had to write. Last night, shortly after the hockey game and this tweet was written, my father Bruce McCurdy experienced a medical emergency and became unresponsive. My family called 911 and resuscitation efforts were performed to the maximum extent possible, and he was transported to hospital. Unfortunately despite the valiant efforts of St. Albert Fire & Rescue and the medical professionals at Sturgeon Hospital, my father passed away.

To say that we are devastated is an extreme understatement and we ask for privacy as we deal with the grieving process. We understand that Bruce touch so many lives in various communities and we will do our best to advise what our next steps are. Thank you for your understanding on behalf of myself and the rest of the McCurdy family. I love you Dad, and I miss you more than words could ever tell you.

The Edmonton Journal’s Jim Matheson
What a shock. What I always realized about Bruce when we would talk (often at Oiler rookie camps) was what a kind, gentle guy he was. He looked at the stars as an astronomer, then would be trying to pick out a few when he watched the games. More stars in the sky than stars on the ice, of course. He was fair and balanced in his writing and on radio with Lowetide, and above all, he totally loved hockey and was absolutely knew his stuff. A great loss.

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ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski @wyshynski
Your dad lived hockey and I always enjoyed his passion for it.

The Cult of Hockey’s David Staples @dstaples
We lost our great friend Bruce McCurdy last night. He passed on shortly after the Oilers beat Vegas. My heart is broken with grief and sorrow. I never had such a collaborator and friend in hockey as Bruce.

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Hockey writer Jackie Bondurant, the Heavy Hockey Network
I’m heartbroken 💔 Bruce was a great man, a great friend and the biggest Oilers fan there ever was. I learned so many random facts from him. He will forever be missed in the Oilers community. Sending so much love to the McCurdy family and everyone who truly knew him… Rest in paradise Bruce. You touched so many lives and I bet you didn’t even know.

Asst. GM Markham Royals Jeff Veillette @JeffVeillette
Beyond gutted to hear this. Bruce was one of the good ones in the hockey world. Always had time for everyone and was super kind, and put out enjoyable work.

Sportsnet’s Mark Spector🇨🇦🇺🇦 @SportsnetSpec
So very tragic, as a true Oilers pundit leaves us too soon. Bruce brought a unique perspective, peppered with astrological wit and his love for the team, leaping off the spread sheet with equal parts wisdom and humour. His voice made the local community a better place. Godspeed.

Oilers fan Mathew Panchyshyn @mathewjdp
This is a generational level shock. All i know is Bruce will be still watching and giving his analysis, just not to us down here. Bruce was a legend. A practical, thoughtful person, analyzer of hockey and mastermind of communicating with others. He’s in our hearts forever. I wish nothing but time, space, and condolences for this massive loss.

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Oilers fan Alan Hull @alanhull
I don’t post on here anymore but need to pop back in to express my condolences to Bruce’s family & the Oilers hockey world. Bruce was a kind & engaging participant in the online hockey community for as long as I can remember. My life was enriched by knowing him. Thank you Bruce.

Oilers fan Lynn Mercereau @lynnmercereau
This is devastating news. Still so hard to believe… A few words about my friend. He was kind, compassionate, smart. Yesterday he was sending me play by play updates for the Nik Edin game. He was the easiest person to have a conversation with. He was loyal. He was concerned about my health. We talked about music for hours. During the pandemic his sweet Anna sent me masks. I will treasure his friendship forever and thank Kevin for sharing him with me.

TSN’s Ryan Rishaug @TSNRyanRishaug
He provided such great insight and was so unique in thought process and analysis.

Former Cult of Hockey writer Jonathan Willis @JonathanWillis
This is a devastating loss. One of the best, wisest and kindest people with whom it’s ever been my pleasure to cross paths.

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Edmonton sports radio commentator Dustin Nielson @nielsonTSN1260
One of the most kind people I ever interacted with…

The Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli @frank_seravalli
Bruce was a treasured member of the hockey community and we will miss him.

Former Oilers player and hockey commentator Jason Strudwick @Jason_Strudwick
I am going to miss his insights and our DM exchanges.

The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler @scottcwheeler
Bruce was always very kind to me.

CHED’s Courtney Theriault @cspotweet
What a loss for our city.

Oilers Nation wirter Bruce Curlock
The world is a much poorer place today without Bruce. Love you buddy.

Oilers Nation writer Zach Laing @zjlaing
Bruce was nothing short of an absolute pillar in the oilogosphere and I’m gutted to hear of his passing.

Oilers fan Paul Almeida @AzorcanGlobal
He was one of the nicest people I’ve met & I was privileged to call him a friend. I enjoyed my many conversations with him on Twitter, by phone or when he joined me at Oilers games.

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Sports radio producer Matthew Iwanyk @matthewiwanyk
A truly wonderful and lovely human. Always enjoyed every single interaction I had with him. He had an impact on so many and will be very missed. 💔

Sports radio host Tyler Yaremchuk @tyleryaremchuk
This is heartbreaking.

Oilers fan K-JAM @KevinJamieson86
Bruce was a true gem. My gratitude for him sharing some of the light he shone with with us.

Oilers fan Sumit Tripathi @Sumit_Tripathi_
Bruce meant a lot to me. A lot. He is gone too soon.

Oilers fan Goodfella @DhillonSteve
The Cult of Hockey was a part of my life.. watched after every game..#neverindoubt

Oilers fan Vince Tookenay @VTookenay
He was one of the best and didn’t shy away from following and engaging with the average fan like myself.

Oilers fan Andy Jamieson @TheeHonestAndy
This is just the worst news, Bruce was one of the nicest men and as true blue through and through Oilers fan as they come. I’ve been listening to him on the Lowetide show for as long as I can remember. He got to go out after an Oilers victory, I hope to be as lucky.

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Oilers fan Doppa D @Doppa_D
Pure class, and an absolute pleasure to interact with on here. It’s a sad sad day in Oil Country… He will be missed, but never forgotten. 🧡💙

Oilers fan Fraser Harland @FraserHarland
I loved listening to cult of hockey, in no small part because he exuded kindness, curiosity, humour, and intellect.

Hockey writer Brennan Klak @nhlupdate
An example to strive for in the Oilers community as an incredibly sharp, passionate fan, and an absolutely most kind and genuine person. The voice of serenity in a frenzied market.

Lyle Richardson Spector’s Hockey @SpectorsHockey
I frequently followed Bruce’s work at The Cult of Hockey and occasionally interacted with him. I’ll miss his insight on the Oilers.

Oilers fan Rob Suggitt @30G30N
I never met Bruce, but felt a close connection, and always respected and appreciated his written words. For someone to make such an impact is the ultimate compliment. Knowing Bruce was an avid astronomer, I wish him a very special place in the sky. 30 🤍

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TSN’s Salim Nadim Valji @salimvalji
This is heartbreaking. I loved my interactions with your dad over the years. He was really supportive of me early in my career.

Oilers fan Sbb @Stevenbradleyb
I was a huge fan of Bruce, I considered him the best hockey analyst in the market. I listened to the cult of hockey podcast every game for years, and felt like we were friends.

Oilers fan Oilers Dave @sandpaperblues
I have never met Bruce, but after many years of reading his articles, posts, and listening to the Cult of Hockey, he’s become a part of my life. I’m so sorry for your and your family’s loss. The world is one sparkling gem less today.

The Daily Hive’s Preston Hodgkinson @NHLHodgkinson
Terrible news… Bruce will be missed immensely ❤️❤️❤️

Former Oiler Craig Simpson @hnicsimmer
I’m sorry to hear this sad news Kevin. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Your Father was a good man.

Oilers Nation writer Sid 🇨🇦 @NHL_Sid
An incredibly kind, thoughtful and insightful person. I learned a lot from him, and I always enjoyed interacting with him. He will be dearly missed.

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Oilers fan Adhi @OilerAlert
Bruce was an exemplary writer, thoughtful analyst, and wonderful soul. I’m thankful for the few opportunities I had to support and interact with him over the years.

CHED’s Bryn Griffiths 🇨🇦 @BrynMightyMouth
Bruce was a great guy and I loved getting his take on things. Always so passionate about the game, the players, the teams, those who cover the sport and mostly the fans. He will be missed tremendously by us all. 💔

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Hockey fan Valkyrie87 @Freyja1987
A light during dark days.Jesse.Covid.Politics.He reminded me of my dad who I lost at 19.He was one of the smartest most decent and most eclectic people I came to know thru this site.I will miss him and remember him with love and smiles esp when I look at the stars.

Oilers fan Rob Dollevoet @rob8591
I loved Bruce’s insight and his breakdown of the game. I am an avid listener of the COH podcasts with Bruce and David Staples and rarely missed any podcasts. He will be missed by many

Oilers fan Justin Sinkevich @Gphumanbeing
I am sorry for your loss Kevin. I have grown up reading his articles and the Cult of Hockey. I am shocked and saddened by this. RIP Bruce McCurdy 😢

Oilers fan Joe Hutzal @JoeHutzal
I truly enjoyed Bruce’s commentary on the Oilers and astronomy tid bits. He often had me staring out into the night sky looking for the latest thing we should be able to see.
😢 #NeverInDoubt

Oilers fan Steve Hennessey @SteveO_1973
I will miss listening to your excellent program that had the two of you on there. I figured I would be listening to it for another 20 years or so. You just never know, when your time is up. Glad he had a career that he loved.

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Oilers fan Captain Jack 🏴‍☠️ @OilersJack
Only one tweet from me today.
A moment of silence for Oilers legend Bruce McCurdy

Oilers fan BLH (Edmonton Oilers Enthusiast} @BeerLeagueHeroe
It’s never fun when we lose somebody like Bruce. What a warm, thoughtful, down to Earth legend he was! He’s definitely going on my Oilogosphere Mount Rushmore!

Oilers fan Dennis King @DKingBH
I didn’t always agree with Bruce but I did love that man’s memory and we would have the occasional laugh:) He was an amazing Oilers resource and obviously brilliant overall.

The CBC’s Min Dhariwal @MinDhariwal
I am shocked to hear that Bruce McCurdy has passed. He always enjoyed his insight on the Oilers and hockey, but also appreciated his massive passion for astronomy. He will be missed by many far and wide. Rest in peace sir, you will be sorely missed.

The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman @DNBsports
He was so kind to offer praise or tactfully offer advice on how to do better next time. I’ll truly miss those messages.

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TSN’s Travis Yost @travisyost
Go on legend. And enjoy that win. 👊 🙏

Oilers fan TylerDT @qauckenbush17
In this community Bruce meant a whole lot to a whole lot of us, a great mind for hockey, and from what I’ve read and heard, a great man.

Edmonton commentator Ryan Jespersen @ryanjespersen
This playoff run’s for you, buddy. 🖤… Bruce was one of the truly good guys. Talented at his craft and supportive of others in the same space. Kind, insightful, and likeable right off the hop.

Oilers fan Patrick | The Oilers Fanatic @OilersFanaticYT
Never in doubt, will be the legacy you left behind. RIP Bruce 💙🧡 You were a gift to Oil Country & will be greatly missed & always remembered.

The Daily Faceoff’s Jeff Marek @JeffMarek
This is just awful. Bruce was such a huge part of the Oilers community and someone I always enjoyed reading/following.

Former NHL scout Grant McCagg @grantmccagg
Bruce was one of my favourite journalists and a kind man.

Finland hockey writer Jouni Nieminen 🇺🇦 @OnsideWithJouni
This is a tough one. Bruce will be missed. Always very kind, super interesting here. We had some fun reminiscing the old times.

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