‘Just normal Matt’
Around the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex or PPG Paints Arena, Murray tends to keep to himself. Some of that is the life of a goalie; they’re inherently different people, and their training can, at times, keep them away from skaters. But Murray also isn’t ready to put himself in the same category as the team’s big stars, such as Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
“On a team like ours, really any NHL team, there’s always going to be those cliques,” Murray said. “What do myself or Conor Sheary really have in common with a guy like Sid or Geno?”
It wasn’t long ago that Murray first met Crosby. Much, of course, has changed since then, although Murray still feels the same way about the Penguins’ captain.
“I remember I went back to the dressing room and was like, ‘Oh my God. I just shook Sid’s hand.’ ” Murray said. “It’s still cool now after a couple years to say, ‘I have Sid’s phone number in my phone. I can text him if I have a question about anything.’
“He’s a god in the hockey world, but at the end of the day he’s just a normal guy, just like everybody else. It’s very cool to get to know him on a personal level rather than just as a hockey player. The same with Geno, [Kris Letang] and ‘Flower.’ Those guys are superheroes, really.”
He recently struck up a friendship with Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby, also one of the NHL’s best dressed — “You could tell he’s a guy who pays attention to his fashion,” Murray said.
Though Holtby plays for a rival, Murray said he has long been one of his “idols” and a goaltender he hopes to emulate in terms of personal success and longevity in the NHL.
The irony is Holtby probably idolizes Murray for the team success he’s enjoyed, but Murray doesn’t think like that. He doesn’t consider himself a big deal. That’s likely the Thunder Bay talking. “He has not forgotten where he’s from,” said Murray’s youth coach, Rick Evoy, who coached him with the AAA Thunder Bay Kings.
“He has not changed a bit,” Bailot added. “Just as nice and humble as he was before when he was 13.” “To me, he’s just normal Matt,” Vaillant said. Last summer, after the Penguins won the Cup, Murray took it to Hillcrest Park for a picture. The park offers a view so perfect you almost feel like you should have to pay for it. Lake Superior off in the distance. The city of Thunder Bay spread out like a miniature village at your feet. Clear views of iconic and natural landmarks such as Sleeping Giant and Mount McKay framing the entire scene.
He still remembers the exact spot he took the Cup. Anytime he’s home, it’s not uncommon for Murray to sit on the grassy hill overlooking the city and reflect. He has no problem crediting this place with shaping him into the man he already is and the man he plans to be.
“I think a small town like this is a good place to grow up,” Murray said. “It teaches you the value of family and friends and working hard. I feel very lucky to have grown up in a place like this.”