More memories of Murray

Bryan Murray, who racked up 620 wins as an NHL coach with five franchises, died Saturday at age 74. This past season, the Ottawa Senators made Murray the first inductee into their ring of honour: “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. It was heartbreaking news to hear of his passing. He was always honest with guys and was just great to work with.”

Senators forward Zack Smith

“Thank you for everything Bryan. You gave me the chance to be who I am today.”

Senators defenceman Erik Karlsson

“Bryan Murray’s strength and character were reflected in the teams he coached and the teams he built over decades of front office excellence. While his warmth and dry sense of humour were always evident, they were accompanied by the fiery competitiveness and determination that were his trademarks.”

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman

“He was a great storyteller. He loved the game of hockey and his enthusiasm for the game was contagious.”

Cory Clouston, who got his first NHL coaching job from Murray with the Senators

“I can’t say enough about Bryan. He was always so good to me and when it came time to move me he could have traded me anywhere, but he wanted (wife and country music star Carrie underwood) and I to be together and he was able to make a deal with (Predators GM David Poile) to get me to Nashville. That’s just the kind of guy he was. He always thought about you as more than just a player. He wanted what was best for you as a person.”

Ex-Senators centre Mike Fisher

“He was never sick — I mean never, ever sick. To get cancer, which is as bad as it gets, it’s like, you’ve got to be kidding. There’s no rhyme or reason, there’s no fairness to it at all.”

David Poile, GM of the Capitals when Murray coached there