“Absolutely phenomenal what the game of hockey gave me” – Twitter reacts as former Bruins player and HOF inductee Peter McNab passes at 70
Matthew Sanders
Updated on March 31, 2026
Former Boston Bruins forward and ex-Avalanche broadcaster, Peter McNab, passed away on Sunday at the age of 70. He was diagnosed with cancer in August and was undergoing chemotherapy. In NHL he played for 14 seasons and marked the 11th spot in Bruins history in goals.
In a tweet shared by Altitude TV, the regional sports news of the Avalanche, they noted, “The Altitude and KSE family are saddened to announce the passing of our friend, Peter McNab”. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends, and the McNab family asks for privacy during this unimaginably difficult time.”
McNab once said, “Hockey gave me the opportunity to meet people that were so important to my life, the most important people in my life, and gave me the opportunities to experience things that I never ever would’ve experienced,”. “The places I went, the people I met, it was absolutely phenomenal what the game of hockey gave me.”
Social media glorifies Peter McNab’s life in NHL
Peter McNab was not only a good NHL player but his role as a broadcaster and as a person was greatly appreciated. Upon his death, social media lamented over the loss, while they also celebrated his life. Even after being diagnosed, he continued his broadcasting job for the Avalanche, while attending medical treatments thrice a week.
Due to his medical condition, he administered his duties from a local studio during Avalanche’s faraway games. In 2021, he got inducted into the U.S Hockey Hall of Fame Class. He enjoyed his retirement class with NHL forward Paul Holmgren, and journalist Stan Fischler, on December 9, in Colorado.
Saddened to learn of the passing of Peter McNab, who contributed greatly to the sport of hockey and was a fellow Denver Pioneers classmate. May he rest in peace.
— Condoleezza Rice (@CondoleezzaRice) November 8, 2022
Shoot. One of the nicest people in the business. Pleasant, funny and engaging. ALWAYS took time. Had a great story about the “shoe incident” and his grandmother’s reaction. He deserved better. Thanks Peter.
— Tim Kalil (@wealthandtaste) November 8, 2022
On his behalf, his brother David McNab and his daughter Robyn Mastranadi gave the acceptance speech. Selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1972 NHL Draft, he made 813 points with 363 goals and 450 assists, in 955 regular-season games. Simultaneously he recorded 82 points in 107 playoffs with 40 goals and 42 assists, with four of the NHL teams.
In 1987 he hung up his skates and accepted the role of a broadcaster, and later as an analyst. He participated with Team USA in the 1986 IIHF World Cup. The Wales Conference All-Star enjoyed an NHL career-high of 86 points in 80 games with 38 goals and 48 assists for the Bruins.
McNab spoke during his HOF induction, “I won’t kid you. It has been an unbelievably difficult time for all of the family and all of that”. “Something like this, it’s really nice that as many people from my family can be in as possible.” His value will always be remembered by the NHL ice. All the fans and the organization thank him for all these years of service.
Noooooooo I have turned on the avalanche games as much to listen to him and the guys as to watch the games. What an amazing life he lived and his love of the game and the players showed with everything he did I will miss his presence on the broadcast tremendously
— Brian (@Brian19446806) November 8, 2022
A Real Beauty as a young man, he left a superb legacy on and off the ice, sabres, bruins, canucks and devils fans will remember him fondly. i wish his family and friends much comfort during this awful time in their lives.
— jake reitsma (@mistermysteries) November 7, 2022
When I was writing an essay to get into *middle school* I had to answer the question: if there’s one person you want to meet and talk with, who would it be and why? I chose Peter McNab. That’s how much his voice and his presence in Avs hockey meant to me. I didn’t even know him
— Blake Wheeler (@blakewheeler08) November 6, 2022
maple leafs @ bruins 03/19/1978
Peter Mcnab (35th of season)
(122nd of career)
I know this isn’t an avs goal but it just felt right to post a Mcnab goal
rest in peace peter
— random avs goal every day (@avsgoaleveryday) November 6, 2022
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