CHICAGO (AP) — Troy Murray, who played 12 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks and became the team’s longtime broadcast analyst, has died. He was 63 years old.
The Blackhawks announced Saturday that Murray died earlier in the day, without specifying where.
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Nicknamed “Muzz”, Murray revealed in August 2021 that he had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy treatments. He did not specify the type of cancer he had or provide any other details about his condition. Murray continued to work on Blackhawks broadcasts, albeit with a reduced workload, before stepping away completely this season.
Blackhawks president and CEO Danny Wirtz said the organization is “deeply heartbroken.”
“Troy was the epitome of a Blackhawk far beyond his incredible playing career, with his presence felt in every corner of our organization over the past 45 years,” Wirtz said.
“During his long, hard battle with cancer, it was often said that Troy had no desire to give up,” Wirtz added. “While our front office won’t be the same without him, we will carry that spirit forward every day in his honor. We will miss you, Troy.”
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Murray was best known as one of the Blackhawks’ most respected leaders during a 15-year NHL career that ended with a Stanley Cup victory in his only season with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996.
After spending the next season with the Chicago Wolves of the International Hockey League, Murray remained in the city to begin his broadcasting career in 1998. Murray also became president of the Blackhawks alumni association.
“Troy Murray is remembered not only for his contributions on the ice, but also for his professionalism, humility and dedication to the city of Chicago,” the team said in a statement. “He leaves behind a lasting legacy within the Blackhawks family and in the world of hockey in general. »
Selected by Chicago in the third round of the 1980 draft, the center broke into the Blackhawks playing one game at the age of 19 during the 1981-82 season.
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A native of Calgary, Alberta, Murray topped 20 goals five times, including a career-high 45 goals and 99 points in 1985-86, while also being known for his defensive play. That same season, he became the first Blackhawks player to win the NHL’s Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward.
Murray finished with 197 goals and 488 points in 688 games over two stints with the Blackhawks, and also played for Winnipeg, where he captained the Jets, for Ottawa and Pittsburgh. In total, he scored 230 goals and 584 points in 915 career games.
Murray played collegiately at North Dakota and earned WCHA Rookie of the Year honors as a freshman in 1981, and the following year helped the school win its fourth NCAA championship. In 1982, he also captained Canada’s gold medal-winning team at the World Junior Championships.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
