Longtime Oilers reporter Bruce McCurdy passes away suddenly

Bruce McCurdy, longtime Edmonton Oilers reporter for the Edmonton Journal, has passed away suddenly after a medical emergency following the Oilers' 3-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday evening.

McCurdy's son Kevin McCurdy made the announcement on social media, with a heartfelt post on Twitter.

McCurdy was a kind and genuine journalist who took a measured approach to his work. The way he went about his business was refreshing, especially in a market like Edmonton where the hockey media is known to be toxic. McCurdy was a fan favorite with hockey fans in Oil Country for his affable nature and his willingness to bring balance and fairness in his work. While the majority of Oilers media seem content to ride on the franchise's past successes, McCurdy was always focused on where the team was headed, not on where it had previously been.

As you can imagine, the hockey world is displaying an outpouring of support for the McCurdy family right now, sharing their thoughts on Bruce's work on social media.

Some kind thoughts from McCurdy's fans and colleagues:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There are dozens of more messages from fans in Kevin's original post, but what I think is most telling is that Kevin replied to nearly every message with sincerity. That shows a man who was raised right by his father. RIP, Bruce McCurdy. Gone, but never forgotten.