Bryan Murray named first member of Ottawa Senators 'ring of honour'
Large portrait of Murray above arena's 300-level seats will recognize his contributions to the club
Bryan Murray, the senior hockey advisor to the Ottawa Senators, will be the first member of the team's new "ring of honour."
His portrait will hang on a pillar above the 300-level seats in the Canadian Tire Centre's arena bowl. The portraits of future inductees will be hung on neighbouring pillars.
This is Murray's first season as Ottawa's senior hockey advisor. The 74-year-old native of Shawville, Que., had previously served as the franchise's head coach and general manager.
Murray was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in June 2014. He stepped down as GM in April 2016 and was replaced by Pierre Dorion.
"Bryan Murray's distinguished career places [him] among the finest executives in NHL history, not only as coach and general manager, but as a leader and mentor," team owner Eugene Melnyk was quoted saying in a statement issued Friday.
"I could not be more excited to announce Bryan as the first member of the Ottawa Senators ring of honour, a lasting tribute where our fans, both present and future, can be reminded of Bryan's many contributions to our team, our city and our community," said Melnyk.
"On behalf of the player honouring committee, our hockey club and our fans, I want to extend my most heartfelt congratulations to Bryan and his family on this tremendous honour."
Murray will be formally inducted Jan. 24, 2017, when Ottawa hosts the Washington Capitals.