‘Thank you for everything Bryan’
EX-NHL coach, GM Bryan Murray remembered as great communicator and valiant fighter
Bryan Murray, an NHL coaching giant known for his rapier wit, acute hockey sense and, ultimately, courage in his fight against cancer, has died. He was 74.
The Ottawa Senators confirmed Murray’s death in a release on Saturday. The former NHL coach and general manager, who remained in the game until his death, had been fighting Stage 4 colon cancer for the past three years.
Murray received the cancer diagnosis in the summer of 2014, but he waged a valiant, public battle against the disease, remaining actively involved with the Senators as a senior adviser after stepping down as general manager after the 2015-16 season.
“I owe a lot to Bryan as he gave me a shot and he’s a big reason why I’m playing in the NHL,” said Senators forward Zack Smith. “It was heartbreaking news to hear of his passing. He was always honest with guys and was just great to work with.” “My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Murray family,” Senators captain Erik Karlsson added on Twitter. “Thank you for everything Bryan. You gave me the chance to be who I am today.’’
Over his 35 years of working in the NHL, Murray won the Jack Adams award as NHL coach of the year in 1984 with the Washington Capitals and executive of the year as general manager of the Florida Panthers in 1993.
Later, he coached the to a Senators to a Stanley Cup final appearance in 2007. He coached 1,239 regular-season games over his NHL career, compiling a record of 620 wins (10th most in NHL history), 465 losses, 131 ties and 23 overtime losses.
“Bryan Murray’s strength and character were reflected in the teams he coached and the teams he built over decades of front office excellence,’’ NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “While his warmth and dry sense of humour were always evident, they were accompanied by the fiery competitiveness and determination that were his trademarks.
“As we mourn Bryan’s passing, we celebrate his many contributions to the game — as well as his courage. The National Hockey League family sends our deepest condolences, comfort and support to Bryan’s family, his many friends and all whose lives he influenced.’’
While best known for his work as a GM and NHL coach Murray is also fondly remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, doting grandfather and loyal friend.
“I will always be appreciative of the opportunity Bryan gave me,’’ said Cory Clouston, who got his first NHL coaching job from Murray with the Senators. “I will always remember his sense of humour.
“He was a great storyteller. He loved the game of hockey and his enthusiasm for the game was contagious. I have nothing but great memories of Bryan. My thoughts and prayers are with his family who I was lucky to meet many of and spend time with.’’
Murray grew up in Shawville, Que., a small town located in Western Quebec, and while his hockey career took him across North America he always held a fondness for his childhood home.
It was his relationship with Shawville, where family and childhood friends continue to reside, that made working with the nearby Senators so appealing.
A graduate of Mcgill University with a degree in physical education, Murray returned to Shawville to work as a phys-ed teacher at the local high school where he also coached minor hockey.
Murray then went on to coach with the Pembroke Lumber Kings of the CJHL in 1973. He quickly gained a solid reputation and was offered a head coaching position with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League in 1979.
In his first season Murray led the Pats to the Memorial Cup with a 47-24-1 record.
Shortly after Murray was hired by the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League and on Nov. 11, 1981 made his move to the NHL when he was hired by the Washington Capitals.
Murray posted a 25-2813 record in 66 games in his first year behind the Capitals bench. He then led Washington to seven straight playoff appearances, a first for the franchise, ultimately landing him the 1984 Jack Adams. But in 1990, with the team struggling, Murray was fired and replaced by his brother, Terry.
Murray remains the Capitals’ all-time leader for most regular-season games coached (672), the most regular-season game wins (343), the most regular-season points (769), the most playoff games coached (53), and the most playoff-game wins (24).
“Not only do we recognize his service to the Capitals, but also across several facets of the National Hockey League,’’ the team said in a statement. “Bryan devoted an incredible life to the sport, and his presence will be deeply missed.’’
Murray wasn’t out of work long as he was hired by the Detroit Red Wings at the start of the 1990-91 season as head coach and general manager where he spent three seasons behind the bench. Murray led the Red Wings to the playoffs three straight seasons, but never past the second round and following the 1992-93 season was replaced by Scotty Bowman behind the bench. Murray remained in Detroit as general manager for the 199394 season.
After being relieved of his duties in Detroit, Murray was quickly back at work being named the Florida Panthers general manager in August 1994.
In just two seasons Murray stunned the hockey world when the young Florida franchise advanced to the Stanley Cup final. The Panthers were swept by the Colorado Avalanche, but Murray was named the NHL Executive of the Year.
After firing head coach Doug Maclean, Murray took over behind the Panthers bench for the remainder of the 1997-98 season before hiring Terry as head coach the following season.