Troy Norman Murray, a revered figure in Canadian ice hockey and a beloved broadcaster for the Chicago Blackhawks, passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 63, following a years-long and courageous battle with colorectal cancer. Born on July 31, 1962, in Calgary, Alberta, Murray was raised in St. Albert, Alberta, where his journey from a promising young player to a Stanley Cup champion and respected analyst left an indelible mark on the sport.

Murray's hockey prowess was evident early in his career, playing junior hockey with the St. Albert Saints of the AJHL. He then played two seasons at the University of North Dakota, where he earned Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Rookie of the Year honors as a freshman in 1981 and was twice named to the WCHA Second All-Star Team. He helped his team secure an NCAA Title in 1982. That same year, he captained Team Canada to a gold medal victory at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, showcasing his leadership qualities on an international stage.

Drafted by the Chicago Black Hawks in the third round of the 1980 NHL Entry Draft, Murray made his NHL debut in the 1981-82 season. He spent the majority of his 15-season NHL career with the Blackhawks, becoming a fan favorite for his strong two-way play. His career peaked during the 1985-86 season when he scored 99 points (45 goals, 54 assists) and was awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward, becoming the first Blackhawk to receive the honor.

Beyond his time in Chicago, Murray also played for the Winnipeg Jets, where he served as captain, as well as the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins. A significant highlight of his playing career came in his final NHL season, 1995-96, when he helped the Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup, adding hockey's ultimate prize to his list of achievements. Murray concluded his distinguished NHL career with total statistics of 584 points (230 goals, 354 assists) in 915 regular-season games and recorded 43 points (17 goals, 26 assists) in 113 playoff games.

Following his retirement from playing in 1997, which included one season with the International Hockey League's Chicago Wolves, Murray transitioned seamlessly into a successful broadcasting career. He joined the Blackhawks' television crew as a studio analyst from 1999 to 2004 and later served as a color commentator in the 2003-04 and 2005-06 seasons.

In 2006, Murray partnered with John Wiedeman in the radio booth, forming a highly respected and beloved commentary duo. Together, they called three Stanley Cup championship seasons for the Blackhawks in 2010, 2013, and 2015, becoming the trusted voices for generations of Blackhawks fans. In August 2022, he briefly succeeded Eddie Olczyk as the Blackhawks' TV color commentator before moving back to the radio booth before the 2023 season.

In August 2021, specifically on August 9, Murray announced his diagnosis with cancer, a battle he faced with remarkable resilience and determination. Despite undergoing chemotherapy treatments every other Monday, he continued his broadcasting duties with a diminished workload, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the sport and the Blackhawks organization. His inspiring return to the broadcast booth for a full game on December 15, 2021, calling a 5-4 overtime victory over the Washington Capitals, resonated deeply within the hockey community.

His passing is a profound loss to the hockey community, particularly in Chicago, where he was cherished as both a player and a personality. The Chicago Blackhawks organization, including Chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz, released a heartfelt statement mourning "our beloved 'Muzz'" and calling him "the epitome of a Blackhawk." Tributes were broadcast by NHL on TNT, featuring Darren Pang and Tony Granato, and by the Chicago Sports Network. The Blackhawks honored Murray with a video tribute and a moment of silence at the United Center before a home game. Former Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville remembered Murray as "one of those guys that, in the Blackhawk lore of good guys, he's right up there." Murray's impact extended beyond the ice, as he remained actively involved with the Blackhawks Alumni Association, serving as its president, and participating in local community initiatives, connecting generations of fans and players.

Beyond his professional achievements, Murray was known for his love of golf and treasured time with family and friends. He was also celebrated for his dry wit, playful spirit, and well-timed pranks, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him. His resilience in battling cancer while continuing his broadcasting duties inspired the hockey community, solidifying his legacy not only as a hockey icon but also as a man of exceptional character and dedication.