Remembering Troy Murray

WGN Radio is devastated to share the news of the passing of Troy Murray. The Chicago Blackhawks announced Troy’s passing in a release on their website, saying “Troy Murray is remembered not only for his contributions on the ice, but for his professionalism, humility, and dedication to the city of Chicago.” WGN Radio VP/General Manager Mary Sandberg Boyle said, “Troy was one of the kindest, funniest, and most special people you could know. This is an enormous loss for all of us.”

Troy’s broadcast colleague Charlie Roumeliotis prepared this tribute:

“When I threw my name into the mix for the Chicago Blackhawks’ studio host role at WGN Radio in 2024, I remember calling Troy Murray to give him a heads up. Not because I was looking for him to put in a good word, but because I respected him that much. He was the soundtrack of my childhood, and the thought of someday working alongside him felt surreal.

From that first phone call on, Troy stayed in constant contact throughout the process. He seemed almost as invested in the outcome as I was, maybe more, although he’d never admit it. He always joked that he was dreading the thought of working with me, which tells you everything about his sense of humor.

Shortly after I verbally accepted the job, I called Troy with the news. I didn’t think it was possible but he sounded more excited for me than I was for myself, and that’s saying something. His joy was genuine.

The day the official announcement went out, he called again and asked what I was doing that night. He wanted to take me out to celebrate, just the two of us, and didn’t take no for an answer. We ended up at a local outdoor patio restaurant and sat there for nearly five hours talking about the role, about the team, about what it would look like to work together. And of course, he mixed in a few hilarious stories from his playing days, stories I’d probably get in trouble for sharing.

I’ll never forget this day. And it means even more now.

Troy passed away at 63 after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer, one that lasted far longer than most people realized. And truthfully, there were days I forgot he was battling anything at all because not once did he bring it to work. He never complained, never showed a negative attitude. He was always joking, always chirping, always the life of the booth.

I was too young to remember Troy as a player, but his résumé speaks for itself. He’s one of only three players in franchise history to win the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s top defensive forward. He played more than 900 NHL games across five teams and finished his career with a Stanley Cup.

Troy’s second act as a broadcaster was just as impactful. His voice became synonymous with Blackhawks hockey and always will be.

But what stood out most to me wasn’t the résumé. It was how beloved he was by everyone. Every Blackhawks home game felt like a reunion. A parade of former teammates and alumni would stop by the radio booth just to see him whenever they were in town.

The man you heard on the broadcast was the same one you got behind the scenes.

I’ll never forget my first Blackhawks home game with WGN Radio. In the final minutes, while play was still going on, I noticed Troy in the corner of my eye signing the game notes and sliding them over to John Wiedeman to sign as well. Then he handed me a Sharpie and pointed for me to add my name. I had no idea what was happening.

After I signed, he started scanning the 300-level section in front of us. His eyes locked onto a young fan a few rows down. When the final horn sounded, Troy got the attention of a few people nearby, held up the signed notes, and motioned toward the kid. Within seconds, they made their way down to him.

Troy did this every home game.

He didn’t need recognition. He didn’t make a show of it. He just loved brightening someone’s day.

That was Troy.

Man, I wish we had more time. More games. More patio dinners. More five-hour conversations. And more rounds of golf. He made me feel like we’d been working together for years, not months.

But I’m grateful for the time we did have.

As I write this, I can hear Troy’s voice in the back of my head telling me it’s getting too sappy. He’d chirp me, shake his head, and tell me to wrap it up.

So I will.

I miss him already. And every time I walk into that booth, I’ll carry his voice with me.”

Tribute to Troy Murray by Andy Masur and Ernie Scatton

Antti Niemi lost puck 4-25-2010

Ben Smith game winner 2011

Troy Murray – Blackhawks Win Stanley Cup 2010

Timeout? 4-1-2012

Troy Murray – Blackhawks Win Stanley Cup 2013

Troy Murray talks with Roe Conn and Richard Roeper about his “One More Shift” – February 21, 2018

Troy Murray tells Steve Bertrand the story about swallowing his teeth – 1-20-21

Troy Murray makes a surprise visit to the Chicago Blackhawks booth Nov 3, 2021

Troy Murray joins Joe Brand and Chris Boden on Blackhawks Live to discuss Hockey Fights Cancer Night Nov 29, 2021

• Drafted by Chicago in the third round in 1980
• Played 12 seasons with the Blackhawks 1981-1991 and 1992-1994
• In 1986 became the Blackhawks first player to win Frank J. Selke Award as the NHL’s top defensive forward
• Won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996
• After his retirement as a player, began his broadcasting career, first as a TV studio analyst in 1998
• Joined Pat Foley in the booth as color commentator on TV/radio simulcasts beginning in 2003
• Paired with John Wiedeman for radio-only broadcasts on WSCR beginning in 2006
• Moved to WGN Radio in 2008 where Chicago Blackhawks Radio broadcasts with John and Troy have remained ever since
• Called Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup Championships in 2010, 2013 and 2015