As long as there have been blogs about the Edmonton Oilers, there’s been Bruce McCurdy.
A founding father, a pillar, a giant, a voice of reason, and an endless supply of knowledge about Edmonton’s storied hockey club.
Those who have been around the Oilogosphere are well versed in Bruce’s work, and on Tuesday night, he passed away after a medical emergency at his home, his son Kevin shared on X.
Us here at Oilersnation wanted to take a moment to offer our deepest condolences to the McCurdy family.
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 .@BruceMcCurdy experienced a medical emergency and became unresponsive. My family called 911 and resuscitation efforts were performed to the… https://t.co/yOY1gr0xaG
— Kevin McCurdy (@McCurdy1987) April 2, 2025
For as enthusiastic as he was about his Oilers — and boy, was he ever — Bruce often share his love of astronomy with the online world, breaking down celestial events with as much detail as he did hockey. He made all the wiser, whether it was about otherworldly happenings in the sky, or otherworldly happenings when Connor McDavid had the puck on his stick.
My interactions with Bruce were largely kept to the online world, save for when I got the pleasure to meet him in person at the 2016 Memorial Cup, and talking to him in person was as excellent as it was online.
The hockey world has poured support out for the McCurdy family Wednesday with the sentiments all being the same: this is a significant loss in his family, and for the Edmonton community as a whole.
Here’s some of the words many in the hockey community have shared about Bruce:
Oilersnation’s Tyler Yaremchuk: “This is heartbreaking. So sorry Kevin.”
Oilersnation’s Jason Gregor: “Kevin, very sorry for you and your family’s loss. I really enjoyed reading Bruce’s articles and our DM exchanges.”
The Nation Network’s Jeff Marek: “This is just awful. Bruce was such a huge part of the Oilers community and someone I always enjoyed reading/following. Condolences to the McCurdy‘s. Peace to this family.”
The Nation Network’s Frank Seravalli: “Kevin, so sorry to hear and for your family’s loss. Bruce was a treasured member of the hockey community and we will miss him. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.”
Longtime Edmonton Journal scribe Jim Matheson: “So very sorry to hear that the Cult of Hockey’s Bruce McCurdy has passed away. Bruce was an astronomer and also a kind, gentle force of nature as Oiler writer, and frequent radio voice. He loved hockey, worked tirelessly and really knew his stuff. Sympathies go out to his family.”
TSN’s Ryan Rishaug: “So sorry for your loss. He provided such great insight and was so unique in thought process and analysis. Condolences to you and your entire family.”
Sportsnet’s Mark Spector: “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.”
Longtime Oilers writer Jonathan Willis: “This is a devastating loss. One of the best, wisest and kindest people with whom it’s ever been my pleasure to cross paths. Love to his family, his friends, and everyone else who has been lucky enough to have Bruce touch their lives.”
Edmonton radio host Ryan Jespersen: “Shit. 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. Our deepest condolences and much love to the McCurdy family and #Oilers fans everywhere who enjoyed his work.”
The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman: “Kevin, I’m so sorry for your loss. I met your father a couple times and he treated me like a million bucks. I always enjoyed our interactions in this space. He was so kind to offer praise or tactfully offer advice on how to do better next time. I’ll truly miss those messages.”
Hockey historian Mike Commito: “Kevin, I am so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and your family. Bruce was a legend in the hockey history community and I always appreciated the interactions we had on here about our mutual love of the game’s history.”
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski: “Very sorry for your loss. Your dad lived hockey and I always enjoyed his passion for it.”
Edmonton Journal editor-in-chief Dave Breakenridge: “So sorry for your loss, Kevin. Your dad’s work meant a lot to readers, and I know his contributions will be missed. Condolences to you and your family.”
Zach Laing is Oilersnation’s associate editor, senior columnist, and The Nation Network’s news director. He also makes up one-half of the DFO DFS Report. He can be followed on Twitter, currently known as X, at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach.laing@bettercollective.com.
