Former Rangers head coach John Tortorella described Larry Brooks as an “icon” and called his passing a “big loss” as he paid tribute to the longtime Post hockey writer and Hockey Hall of Famer.

Brooks died Thursday morning at the age of 75 after a brief battle with cancer.

Tortorella and Brooks were most closely associated for their passionate exchanges during the former’s five seasons as Rangers head coach. But Tortorella’s memories of the columnist go right to the respect he’s always had for Brooks.

ESPN’s tribute to Larry Brooks, from @espnSteveLevy and John Tortorella. pic.twitter.com/73VfF91luI — Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) November 13, 2025

“He’s an icon,” Tortorella said on Thursday evening during ESPN’s “The Point.”

“We had our disagreements along the way, but the thin

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