Murray Craven

Murray’s childhood days were filled with hockey, playing on the neighbourhood’s “small rink” with his friend in the winter, and playing street hockey in the summer. He soon displayed an extraordinary talent for the game, scoring over 100 goals in his third year of minor hockey. In 1975, he entered Junior B with the Hat Pipeline cubs, and at age 16 he joined the Medicine Hat Tigers. During his second year, he scored 35 goals and 46 assists, and raised the eyebrows of the NHL scouts.

He was drafted 17th overall by the Detroit Red Wings at the age of 17. In 1984 he was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers where he excelled for seven years, scoring 30 goals and 46 assists in his fourth season, and twice helping the team reach the finals of the Stanley Cup. Since then, he has played with the Hartford Whalers (1991-1992), the Vancouver Canucks (1992-1993), the Chicago Blackhawks (1993-1996), and most recently, the San Jose Sharks.

In his fifteen seasons with the NHL, Murray has played over 1,000 games. He was twice a member of the national team, helping Canada win the World Championships silver medal in 1992.

Murray attributes much of his success to the devotion of his parents. His father, who once played junior hockey himself, influenced Murray’s career tremendously and is still a favourite source of advice, and his mother remains an avid supporter.

“I haven’t thought about anything else since I was five years old,” says Murray who considers himself fortunate to have been able to make a living at what he loves. Murray hopes to continue playing for another three years. Still in love with the game, his plans for his future after hockey are as yet uncertain.