Ex-NHL coach, GM Bryan Murray remembered as great communicator and valiant fighter
OTTAWA — Bryan Murray, an NHL coaching giant known for his rapier wit, acute hockey sense and, ultimately, courage in his fight against cancer, has died. He was 74.
The Ottawa Senators confirmed Murray’s death in a release on Saturday. The former NHL coach and general manager, who remained in the game until his death, had been fighting Stage 4 colon cancer for the past three years.
Murray received the cancer diagnosis in the summer of 2014, but he waged a valiant, public battle against the disease, remaining actively involved with the Senators as a senior adviser after stepping down as general manager after the 2015-16 season.
“I owe a lot to Bryan as he gave me a shot and he’s a big reason why I’m playing in the NHL, ” said Senators forward Zack Smith. “It was heartbreaking news to hear of his passing. He was always honest with guys and was just great to work with. “