Dietz: Hawks’ Murray, now at peace, was a treasure

Shortly after taking over as the Blackhawks beat writer for the Daily Herald in 2015 a thought hit me like an anvil on the head: What am I doing? Hockey? The NHL? How am I going to do this?

Now, baseball or basketball? No problem. Football? Let's go!

But hockey? HELP!

Fortunately, help arrived in slow doses — some right away from former Daily Herald columnist Barry Rozner — and some from former Hawks forward turned commentator Troy Murray.

As many of you know, Murray passed away Saturday at age 63 after a long battle with cancer. He leaves behind a loving wife in Konnie, three children and a legion of former teammates, friends and fans more numerous than you can imagine.

The moving tributes and glorious photos flooded social media over the weekend.

“He made the room smile whenever he walked in,” texted former Palace Grill owner George Lemparis, who considered Murray a close friend.

My introduction to Troy came during the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs. Troy had been doing Q&A's for the Daily Herald during previous playoff runs and now it was my turn to get his take between games.

His comments were always so insightful and full of texture. We didn't focus on X's and O's, which I think helped readers gain a greater understanding of the game in different ways. Over time, though, Troy became my go-to guy when I needed confirmation of something I was seeing. Eventually I felt like I graduated from Hockey University, with Professor Murray acting as one of my main educators.

Troy was just such a treasure in so many ways. He loved to have fun and loved making you laugh — oftentimes by pulling a little prank or joke.

The first one he pulled on me came in Anaheim during the 2015 Western Conference finals. After a long, exhausting day of interviews, transcribing and writing I tried picking up my backpack … only it was tied around the leg of my chair.

“What the heck? There's no way I did this.”

Flummoxed, I headed off. Hours later my phone buzzed with a text from Troy: “Have any trouble with your backpack?”

I wasn't Troy's first or last victim, but what that moment said to me was: “Welcome to the beat, young man.”

* * *

Let's pause here for a moment for those of you who aren't fully aware of Troy's hockey background. Troy hailed from Calgary, Alberta, Canada where he dreamed of playing in the NHL. A bit undersized, he was drafted by the Blackhawks in 1980 and spent two years at the University of North Dakota. He amassed 230 goals over a 15-year career, and was named the top defensive forward while with the Hawks in 1986 — a year in which he also rang up career highs in goals (45), assists (54) and points (99).

He was tenacious and never took a shift off.

After winning the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 1996, Troy played one season for the Chicago Wolves before hanging up his skates for good. He then became one of the best color commentators in the game, teaming up with John Wiedeman on WGN-AM for more than two decades.

* * *

Troy went public with his cancer diagnosis in August 2021. Months later I asked how he was doing. His response stunned me: The doctors say 3-5 years.

What? We talked quietly about the diagnosis for a few moments in the press box.

I was crestfallen. For him, for his family and, selfishly, for all of us.

Not long after I went to his house, where we talked on his front porch for almost an hour. He told me about how his family came to live there (he outbid another prospective buyer), how he used to flood the side yard so kids could play hockey and so much more. Honestly, I wish my tape recorder was running.

Three weeks ago I stopped by to deliver a black-and-red rosary that was specially made by Deacon Tim Springer at St. John of the Cross, where I now teach. Incredibly, Konnie was arriving home as I pulled up. I stood on the curb, unsure what to do. I decided to walk down the driveway and am so glad I did.

I just let her know how grateful I was for all Troy's help over the years. He breathed so much life into dozens of stories.

It was a poignant moment … but one that turned into a chuckle moments later.

Troy would have loved that.

After relaying his backpack-around-the-chair prank, she said: “That's so Troy” and then launched into a quick story about how Troy used to finish the crossword puzzles of former head athletic trainer Mike Gapski and assistant equipment manager Clint Reif.

“They'd come back and say, 'Who the heck did this?'” she said.

As Konnie held the rosary, I told her I'd text Troy a picture of some of the girls in our group holding the gift. She said he wouldn't respond but would appreciate it.

I knew right then time was running very short.

* * *

Let's close with this hopeful thought.

During Blackhawks morning skates at the United Center, Troy set up shop behind the rest of the assembled media. He was always in the last row. Any time I'd want to ask him a question, I'd stop 2-3 steps short and knock on an invisible door.

“What do you want?” was his most common response.

He'd then let me in and we'd start chatting.

My hope is a similar scene played out when Troy approached the Pearly Gates. God says: “You know, Troy, after all the pranks you played we're going to have to put you in the penalty box for a bit.”

Troy nods and heads to the box.

Two minutes later (of course!) God says: “GOTCHA!”

The door opens and Troy is released. In front of him is the whitest sheet of ice he's ever seen. Troy laces up his skates and glides away, a beaming smile gracing his face.

God speed, my friend. You are at peace.

John Dietz, a sports writer at the Daily Herald from 1998-2024, covered the Blackhawks from 2014-24. You can reach him at jdietz6917@hotmail.com.