Chicago Blackhawks' radio color analyst Troy Murray diagnosed with cancer
Chicago Blackhawks radio color analyst Troy Murray announced through the team Monday that he has been diagnosed with cancer.
In a statement, Murray, also a former player, said: “I want to let everyone know of the challenge that I’m currently facing. I have been diagnosed with cancer. With the love and support of my family, friends, the Wirtz family, the Chicago Blackhawks organization and WGN radio I’m confident that together, we will beat this.”
He said that he’s looking forward to returning to the booth to call games, and asked for privacy while he and his family move forward with treatment. Murray didn't detail the type of cancer or the extent of his diagnosis.
Murray, who was drafted by Chicago in 1980, spent 15 years in the NHL, starting in 1982, when he joined the Blackhawks for one regular season game and seven playoff games. He spent the next nine seasons in Chicago.
During his final years playing professional hockey, Murray bounced between the Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche, and he returned to Chicago twice in 1992 and 1993. He retired in 1997 after a full season with the Chicago Wolves in the now-defunct International Hockey League.
In 915 career regular-season NHL games, he had 230 goals, 584 points and 875 penalty minutes.
Murray won an NCAA title with the University of North Dakota in 1982, just before joining the Blackhawks in the playoffs. In 1986, he won the Selke Trophy, awarded to the league’s best defensive forward. Despite his stint with the Avalanche being short, Murray won a Stanley Cup alongside Patrick Roy in 1996.
Immediately following his retirement, Murray transitioned to an analyst position, working in the studio for Blackhawks TV starting in 1998. At the start of the 2006-07 season, Murray teamed up with John Wiedeman and have called three Stanley Cup championships in their time on air together.
Murray and Wiedeman have won the Chicago Market “Best Radio Play-By-Play” four times at the Illinois Broadcasters Association Silver Dome Awards.
“Troy Murray has the full support of the Chicago Blackhawks organization as he begins his treatments,” said Danny Wirtz, CEO of the Blackhawks. “He was a tough player on the ice and is as passionate as they come in the broadcast booth. We know he will fight cancer with the same vigor that has endeared himself to so many.”
Contact Alyssa Hertel at ahertel@usatoday.com or on Twitter @AlyssaHertel.