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Ottawa Senators: A Tribute To The Life Of Bryan Murray

By Alexander O'Reilly

OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 24: Bryan Murray of the Ottawa Senators stands at attention during the singing of the national anthems after he is named the first inductee into the Ottawa Senators Ring of Honour prior to a game against the Washington Capitals at Canadian Tire Centre on January 24, 2017 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 24: Bryan Murray of the Ottawa Senators stands at attention during the singing of the national anthems after he is named the first inductee into the Ottawa Senators Ring of Honour prior to a game against the Washington Capitals at Canadian Tire Centre on January 24, 2017 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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It’s a somber day in the NHL and for the Ottawa Senators as long time General Manager Bryan Murray passed away at the age of 74.

It was beginning to seem like this day may never come. After being diagnosed with colon cancer in 2014 it seemed like it would only be a matter of time. After his diagnosis Murray said that he would take a step back from hockey. However, his love for the game kept him with the Ottawa Senators until he died. He only stepped away from being General Manager following the season in 2016.

Murray’s constant presence with the Ottawa Senators often caused people to forget that he was sick. He was in attendance at nearly every game of their post-season run. He never truly took the step back from hockey that he said he would. Even though he was no longer the General Manager he was still an active executive within the team. This constant presence around the Sens made it seem like he was healthier than he was. It made it seem like he might get through this thing. Unfortunately, this was all wishful thinking as Murray passed away on August 12th.

A Fantastic Career

Murray had one of the most successful careers as a coach and executive. Although he never won a Stanley Cup he made the playoffs 12 out of 13 seasons as Head Coach. He was part of elite group of coaches to surpass 600 NHL victories. As a General Manager he spent time with Anaheim, Florida and Detroit. However, he spent the bulk of his management time with the Ottawa Senators.

Murray joined the Sens for the 05-06 season as the head coach and was promoted to GM following their Stanley Cup Final run in 2007. He then spent the next nine years in Ottawa as the General Manager. In 2016 he took a step back into a more limited role because of his health. Pierre Dorion took over as General Manager.

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A Fondly Remembered Man

Unfortunately, Bryan Murray lost his battle with cancer. However, he will be remembered as not just a great executive and coach, but a great person. He has been praised for his great personality and sense of humour. The NHL and the Ottawa Senators lost a great person yesterday. Rest in peace Bryan.

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