Troy Murray in 2016
Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
Troy Murray, a former NHL player and longtime analyst for the Chicago Blackhawks, has died at the age of 63
“During his long and hard battle with cancer, it was often said that Troy didn’t have any ‘give up’ in him,” said Blackhawks Chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz
Wirtz added that Murray’s presence was “felt in every corner of our organization over the last 45 years”
Troy Murray, a former NHL player and longtime analyst for the Chicago Blackhawks, has died. He was 63.
Blackhawks Chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz announced on Saturday, March 7, that the standout two-way center died following a “long and hard battle with cancer.”
“The Chicago Blackhawks are deeply heartbroken today as we mourn the loss of Troy Murray, our beloved ‘Muzz,’ and our love and support go out to his family,” Wirtz said in a statement on X. “Troy was the epitome of a Blackhawk, so far beyond his incredible playing career with a presence felt in every corner of our organization over the last 45 years.”
Upon being selected by Chicago in the 1980 draft, Murray spent his first 10 NHL seasons out of college playing in Chicago and setting career highs with 45 goals, 54 assists and 99 points in 80 games.
Troy Murray in 2018
Credit: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)
After more than 10 years playing for the Blackhawks, Murray spent his final NHL season playing for the Colorado Avalanche, which ended with him winning a Stanley Cup in 1996.
While he then joined the International Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves for one season, the athlete decided to pursue broadcasting and served as a Blackhawks analyst for over 25 years.
Murray also became president of the Blackhawks alumni association and was inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
“He was admired by his teammates and our players, and was so proud to connect generations of Blackhawks through his work with the Blackhawks Alumni Association,” Wirtz continued in his statement. “He jumped at every call to support our local community with our Foundation.”
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Troy Murray in 1989
Credit: Graig Abel/Getty
“He never missed a chance to say ‘hello’ in our press box and always knew the perfect time for a joke just when someone around the office needed it most,” Wirtz added. “And he absolutely loved bringing Blackhawks hockey to you, our fans, night after night with a dedication to his craft that never wavered to the very end.”
While remembering Murray’s legacy as one of the NHL’s most respected leaders, Wirtz went on to say that “Troy didn’t have any ‘give up’ in him” throughout his “battle with cancer.”
“While our front office simply won’t be the same without him, we will carry that spirit forward every day in his honor,” Wirtz continued. “We’ll miss you, Troy.”
The Blackhawks also shared a throwback photo of Murray on X, adding, “From all of us here at the Blackhawks, we extend our deepest condolences to Troy’s family and friends, our alumni and the many fans who loved him dearly.”
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