Former UND great Troy Murray diagnosed with cancer
Aug. 10—Former UND great Troy Murray said Monday he's been diagnosed with cancer.
Murray, who currently serves as the radio analyst for the Chicago Blackhawks, said in a statement: "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.
"I look forward to being in the booth calling Blackhawk games in front of the most passionate and energetic fans in all of hockey. My family and I appreciate privacy during this time as we fight this challenge."
Murray, 59, played for UND for two seasons from 1980-82.
During his first season, he scored 33 goals, setting a freshman record that still stands today. He led the team in scoring with 78 points that season as well.
As a sophomore, Murray helped UND win the 1982 NCAA national championship. UND beat Northeastern 6-2 in the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals and topped rival Wisconsin 5-2 in the title game in Providence, R.I.
Murray earned second-team all-Western Collegiate Hockey Conference honors that season and also captained Canada to a gold medal at the World Junior Championship.
Murray made his NHL debut with the Blackhawks one week after the national championship game, launching a 15-year NHL career.
In 1985-86, Murray racked up 99 points — a single-season record for UND players in the NHL — and won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward in the league. The only other UND player to win the Selke is Jonathan Toews in 2013.
During his pro career, Murray captained both the Blackhawks and the Winnipeg Jets. He also served as an alternate captain for the Ottawa Senators and completed his career playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche.
Murray won the Stanley Cup in 1996 with Colorado.
Murray joined the Blackhawks' broadcast team in 1998, one year after he retired from pro hockey.
