Chicago Blackhawks legend Troy Murray passes away

Sad news struck Chicago Blackhawks nation Saturday morning with the passing of former center Troy Murray. He was 63 years old and was fighting a long battle with cancer. “Muzz” was drafted by the Blackhawks in 1980 in the third round, played 688 games in Chicago, and was part of the team’s broadcasting crew for over two decades. This past October, he was named an ambassador to the team.

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Remembering Troy Murray

Before Jonathan Toews wore #19, it was proudly worn by Murray. A native of Calgary, Canada, Murray had an exceptional NHL career spanning 15 years with the Blackhawks, Jets, Senators, Avalanche, and Penguins. He tallied 230 goals and 354 assists in 915 games played from 1981 to 1996. In his final season as an NHL player, he won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche. Murray officially retired from playing after a stint with the Chicago Wolves in 1997, during which he played 81 games.

Known for being a very good defensive forward, Murray won the Selke Trophy in 1986 and got votes for the award in seven seasons. He came up clutch on several occasions as a Blackhawk, including scoring an overtime goal on April 2nd, 1989, in the season finale to send the Blackhawks to the playoffs. In his 688 games as a Blackhawk, he ranks 21st in goals in franchise history (197), 18th in assists (291), and 19th in points (488).

What many modern-day fans will remember him for is his work on Blackhawks broadcasts on both TV and radio. Having done broadcast work since 1998 with the Blackhawks, he started as a studio analyst, then as a color commentator with Pat Foley, and then spent over a decade on WGN radio with John Wiedeman. He and Wiedeman had the privilege of calling the dynasty on the radio from 2010 to 2015, providing memorable moments for fans alike. In recent years, Murray had to deal with his illness away from the booth for notable amounts of time, but he always kept fighting and worked when he could.

Murray’s legacy.

This season has been all about honoring the 100-year history of the Blackhawks, and Murray is a key part of that history.

Murray will be remembered by Blackhawks fans for a very long time. His impact as a player and as an in-game educator on the airwaves will have a lasting impact on multiple generations of hockey fans. As will his work as a steward to the community and organization. Not to mention his courage and positive attitude during his battle with cancer serve as an inspiration for fans everywhere.

YouTube has plenty of 720 radio calls from the dynasty; no better time than now to relive them.

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