Bryan Murray announces next season is last as Ottawa GM
Every time I see Bryan Murray talking into a reporter’s microphone, I’m thankful.
Thankful that he’s battled through 21 chemotherapy treatments for Stage 4 colon cancer and is able to do the thing that’s defined him for nearly five decades. Thankful that his class and his wisdom remain a part of the Ottawa Senators and, in turn, the hockey world.
But I also knew it couldn’t last, and it’s no surprise that Murray, 72, said his time as a National Hockey League general manager will end after the 2015-16 season, as revealed to CBC’s Allie Cotnam on Wednesday night.
“I’m not as energized as I once was, but age has a little to do with that as well as the sickness,” he said.
Murray coached 1,239 games in the NHL with the Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and the Ottawa Senators, winning 620. He won the Jack Adams in 1984 and was behind the bench for the Sens’ run to the Cup Final in 2007.
He was also the general manager for the Wings, Panthers, Ducks and Senators.
According to the Ottawa Sun, Murray has some time left on his deal act as an “advisor” to the Senators.
Pierre Dorion is the current director of player personnel for the Sens, while Randy Lee is the director of player development.
From the CBC, some heartfelt comments from Murray:
As Murray fights for his life, his desire to continue working and travelling has raised some eyebrows. But he maintains as long as doctors and more importantly his family are on board, he will continue to do exactly what he’s done for the past 36 years.
“That’s where I’ve really been treated with great respect. Geri, we have been together a long time,” he said, remembering back to the late 1970s when he left his job as a schoolteacher in eastern Ontario to coach junior hockey in Regina, Sask.
“She wants me to slow down. She certainly wants more time to do things and I’m being a little bit selfish. I like the idea of being active, being somewhat important in what you do. [I like the idea] of sharing some knowledge to the young people that will eventually take over here and help as much as I can rebuild this hockey team to a contending hockey team.”
Hockey isn’t unique in this, but many people that have suffered through personal tragedy or trauma and used the sport as an all-consuming distraction? How many guys like Bryan Murray have needed this game as the calm in their storm?
What Murray acknowledges is what we’ve all known about him since the 1970s: He’s a hockey man. And even in what he admits is the twilight of his life, he’s remained one, and will remain one for another year.
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