Stanley Cup champion Troy Murray passes away at 63

Stanley Cup champion and Frank J. Selke Trophy winner Troy Murray has passed away at the age of 63.

Murray passed away on Saturday after a nearly five-year battle with cancer. The Chicago Blackhawks, who Murray spent parts of 12 seasons with, released the following statement regarding his passing.

“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.  

“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. 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.”

A third-round pick of the Blackhawks in 1980, Murray spent 15 seasons in the NHL with the Blackhawks, Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche. In 914 games, the center collected 230 goals and 354 assists for 584 points in the regular season. He also had 17 goals and 26 assists for 43 points in 113 playoff games.

In 1985-86, he was recognized as the league’s best two-way forward and was awarded the Selke Trophy. He also won the Stanley Cup in his final season in the NHL, doing so with the Avalanche in 1996.

After his playing career, Murray transitioned to broadcast and joined the Blackhawks radio broadcast as a color commentator, and continued to maintain a bond with the players as president of the Chicago Blackhawks Alumni Association.