Former Chicago Blackhawks Forward and Longtime Broadcaster Troy Murray Dies at 63

Troy Murray, who dedicated nearly half a century to the Chicago Blackhawks as both a player and broadcaster, died Saturday following a long battle with cancer. He was 63. "Troy was the epitome of a Blackhawk, so far beyond his incredible playing career," Blackhawks chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz said. "His presence was felt in every corner of our organization over the last 45 years." Murray was selected by Chicago in the third round of the 1980 NHL Draft. He spent his first 10 seasons with the Blackhawks and played 12 total in the organization across his career and Chicago misses him dearly.Before he ever touched the microphone, Murray remained one of the best players on the Blackhawks roster. His best year came in 1985-86 when he posted career highs of 45 goals, 54 assists and 99 points in 80 games. That season earned him the Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward.Murray finished his playing career with 230 goals and 584 points across 915 regular-season games. He suited up for Chicago, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Pittsburgh and Colorado. His final NHL season in 1995-96 ended with a Stanley Cup ring as a member of the Avalanche.He added 17 goals and 43 points in 113 playoff games throughout his career. Once it was time to hang up his skates, Murray transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting. He joined the Blackhawks broadcast team in 1998 and worked as a studio analyst and color commentator before partnering with John Wiedeman in the radio booth in 2006.Together they called three Stanley Cup championship seasons in 2010, 2013 and 2015. Murray became as much a part of Blackhawks hockey for a generation of fans through the airwaves as he had been on the ice decades earlier.Murray was diagnosed with cancer on August 9, 2021. He underwent chemotherapy treatments every other Monday but refused to stay away from the booth. He returned to call a full broadcast on December 15, 2021, a 5-4 overtime win over Washington."I can't say enough how much it means to me and my family to get the amazing support we've had," Murray said on that broadcast. "I'm just glad to be back on the air." Wirtz said it was often noted during Murray's battle that he didn't have any "give up" in him. The Blackhawks organization vowed to carry that spirit forward in his honor.