Troy Murray, Blackhawks Legend, Passes Away
The hockey world mourns the loss of Troy Murray, an emblematic figure of the Chicago Blackhawks, who passed away at the age of 63. Murray, known as “Muzz”, played 12 seasons with the Blackhawks and later became a broadcast analyst for the team. In August 2021, Murray revealed that he was battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Although he continued working on Blackhawks broadcasts, his involvement was reduced before retiring completely this season.
Murray was a respected leader during his 15 years in the NHL, culminating his career with the Stanley Cup victory in his only season with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996. After playing with the Chicago Wolves of the International Hockey League, Murray began his career as a commentator in 1998 and also became president of the Blackhawks alumni association. The team highlighted his contributions on the ice, his professionalism, humility, and dedication to the city of Chicago. “He leaves a lasting legacy within the Blackhawks family and in the world of hockey,” they stated. Selected by Chicago in the third round of the 1980 draft, Murray debuted with the Blackhawks in the 1981-82 season, playing one game at the age of 19. Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Murray surpassed 20 goals on five occasions, including 45 goals and 99 points in the 1985-86 season. That same year, he won the NHL’s Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league’s best defensive forward. Murray accumulated 197 goals and 488 points in 688 games in his two stints with the Blackhawks, and also played for Winnipeg, where he captained the Jets, Ottawa and Pittsburgh. In total, he scored 230 goals and 584 points in 915 career games. In his college years, Murray played at North Dakota and was recognized as the WCHA Rookie of the Year in 1981, helping the school win its fourth NCAA championship the following year. In 1982, he captained the Canadian team that won the gold medal at the World Junior Championship. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.“Troy was the personification of a Blackhawk, far beyond his incredible playing career, with his presence in every corner of our organization for the last 45 years,” said Danny Wirtz, president and CEO of the Blackhawks.
Danny Wirtz, President and CEO of the Blackhawks
