Former Chicago forward and longtime Blackhawks broadcaster Troy Murray died on Saturday after a long battle with cancer. He was 63.
“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,” team chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz said in a statement.
A third-round pick by Chicago in 1980, Murray became the first player in franchise history to win the Selke Trophy in 1985-86 as the league’s best defensive forward. He played 12 of his 15 seasons with the Blackhawks, accumulating 488 points (197 goals, 291 assists) and 707 penalty minutes in 688 games with Chicago.
Murray also played for the Winnipeg Jets, serving as captain for two seasons, along with the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins before winning a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in his final season in 1995-96. His career totals included 584 points (230 goals, 354 assists) and 875 penalty minutes in 915 games.
Murray transitioned into broadcasting and served as the Blackhawks’ radio color analyst for more than two decades. He also served as president of the Chicago Blackhawks Alumni Association.
“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,” Wirtz’s statement continued. “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. He jumped at every call to support our local community with our Foundation. 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. 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.
“During his long and hard battle with cancer, it was often said that Troy didn’t have any ‘give up’ in him. While our front office simply won’t be the same without him, we will carry that spirit forward every day in his honor. We’ll miss you, Muzz.”
Murray revealed his cancer diagnosis in 2021.
