Blind River should pursue old scout
As the new-look Blind River Beavers seek a return to better days, there’s a veteran Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League scout who could assist in the rebuild project.
A retired steelworker from Sault Ste. Marie, 65-year old Charly Murray has a lot to offer in terms of time, experience, knowledge and a genuine love for the junior game.
Murray, who has spent parts of five decades in junior hockey, has performed a key role in the success of a number of NOJHL teams over the years, including a prior gig in Blind River as well as a stop with the erstwhile Northern Michigan Black Bears and stints with the Soo Thunderbirds.
To be sure, there are few in the junior game with the overall scouting/player advancement pedigree that Murray has, having helped send dozens of players on to higher levels of hockey over the years, in particular the American college ranks.
Murray did some work on behalf of the NOJHL champion Thunderbirds during the recently-completed, 2015-2016 season. But with the T-Birds in transition under new operators, namely The Tech 1921 Ltd., Murray does not know where he stands as the NOJHL champs move forward.
Ideally, Murray would remain on board with the Thunderbirds and answer to newly-hired, full-time director of hockey operations Denny Lambert.
But as Lambert is in complete review of the Thunderbirds hockey department, Murray is being sought out by other NOJHL teams, including Blind River.
With Blind River trying to emerge from what has been five years in the NOJHL doldrums, the Beavers have already hired former T-Bird assistant coach Kyle Brick as their new bench boss. And Brick in turn has brought in Dylan King, a former Ontario Hockey League defenseman with the Soo Greyhounds, as assistant coach.
As Brick is only 30-years old and King is just 25, the Beavers could do well by adding an old warhorse like Murray to be part of scouting/recruiting efforts in the Twin Soo area.
Murray, in his own words, “really enjoyed” his earlier time in Blind River and alongside former coach Todd Stencill, was part of the success that the Beavers enjoyed circa 2009, 2010, 2011.
On the flip side, Murray remains a popular individual in Blind River among long-time Beavers fans and supporters.
Charly Murray would be an outstanding part of any program.
What would you know Carr, you tried to run Paul Theriault out of town!!
B-I-N-G-O! You hit the nail right on the Head. Charley & the Beavers would be great for each other. The Beavers need to get back to winning games and advanceing players and Charley was part of both . . . with the new Coaching Staff Charley would be a great fitt.
Charly Murray is one of the most genuine, intelligent people I have ever met in hockey. He is an asset to everyone he works with. I’ve rarely ever met someone who truly cares for the players and fellow staff as much as he does. I’m honored to know him and call him a friend.
A good addition to the team for sure
Hello Jerry
You must be so proud of Jason as he climbs through the ranks of coaching with nothing but success at each level. The Fortier family have always been leaders in hockey on and off the ice and Jason is continuing that reputation now. Please pass on my regards to Jason on jobs well done. His future is very bright.
Charly Murray
Good morning
To say I am humbled by the wonderful comments from my friends and others who I don’t really even know, would be putting it lightly. Isn’t that what this great game is all about? It’s the bond you make with the players, the lifetime friendships with the people you work with, the parents and the fans. I have been very privileged to have been part of this and I would not trade my friendships nor my experiences for any alternative. The entire hockey community without the politics is a great experience and one that I cherish.
Once again thank-you very much
Charly Murray
Come back to Blind River Mr. Charlie Murray. We have some catching up to do a over a cold ones at the “Side”. The Beavs were a better Team when you were here. Come back and bring R.R. with ya!
The Thunder-birds may have won the Championship how ever the word is that Management of this team (I am not including Denny oviously) is Dysfunctional with a Capital “D”. A guy like Charley (who has been around and takes pride in helping the players with there schooling) would be like a fish out of water dealing with any one who is not a Straight Shooter. Good luck to you Charley you could another peace to the puzzle (along with Bricker and Kinger) in getting Blind River back on the map.
If the Thunderbirds management is “dysfunctional” then may I suggest that every other team in the League copies what is a winning formulla.