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Former NHL player and long-time Chicago Blackhawks analyst Troy Murray dies at 63
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“Throughout his long and difficult battle with cancer, it was often said that Troy did not have a ‘give up’ spirit,” said Blackhawks Chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz.
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Wirtz added, “Murray’s presence has been felt in every corner of our organization for the past 45 years.”
Troy Murray, a former NHL player and long-time Chicago Blackhawks analyst, has died. He is 63 years old.
Blackhawks Chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz announced on Saturday, March 7, that the standout two-way center passed away after a “long and hard battle with cancer.”
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“The Chicago Blackhawks are deeply saddened today as we mourn the loss of Troy Murray, our beloved ‘Muzzy,’ and we send our love and support to his family,” Wirtz said in a statement to
After being selected by Chicago in the 1980 draft, Murray spent his first 10 NHL seasons out of college in Chicago and set career highs with 45 goals, 54 assists and 99 points in 80 games.
Troy Murray 2018
Credit: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)
After more than 10 years with the Blackhawks, Murray spent his final NHL season with the Colorado Avalanche, winning a Stanley Cup in 1996.
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He then joined the International Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves for one season before the athlete decided to pursue a career in broadcasting and served as a Blackhawks analyst for more than 25 years.
Murray also became president of the Blackhawks Alumni Association and was inducted into the Chicago Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
“He is admired by his teammates and our players and is extremely proud to connect generations of Blackhawks through his partnership with the Blackhawks Alumni Association,” Wirtz continued in the statement. “He responds to every call and supports our local community through our foundation.”
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Troy Murray, 1989
Photo credit: Greg Abel/Getty
“He never missed an opportunity to say ‘hello’ at one of our press conferences and always knew the best time to crack a joke when the people in the office needed it most,” Wirtz added. “He absolutely loved bringing Blackhawks hockey to you, our fans, and night after night, his dedication to his craft never wavered.”
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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 thoughts of ‘giving up'” during his “battle with cancer.”
“While our front office won’t be the same without him, we will carry that spirit forward every day in his name,” Wirtz continued. “We’re going to miss you, Troy.”
The Blackhawks also shared a throwback photo of Murray on
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