New gig for an old scout
Charly Murray is getting back into the game he loves. Now in his mid 70s and with his commitment to the sport not lacking in energy or enthusiasm, Murray has joined the Espanola Paper Kings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League as their Sault Ste. Marie-based scout.
Paper Kings’ general manager Marc Gagnon confirmed to Hockey News North that Murray will focus his attention on the Soo U18 Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League and the U18 Soo Indians of the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association.
Gagnon got to know Murray when the latter was a guest evaluator at a recent prospect camp that the Paper Kings hosted.
Murray is also familiar with Paper Kings’ owner and head coach Jason Rapcewicz. And he has a long hockey attachment to fellow Sault Ste. Marie resident Bill Vanderleest, who is the Paper Kings’ goalie coach. Another ageless pucker, Vanderleest is getting set for his second season as the goalie instructor for Espanola after many seasons in a similar capacity with the Soo Eagles.
“This is about me getting back in the game and working with the many good people who have an association to the Espanola Paper Kings, including Marc, Rapper and my good friend Bill ‘Bunkie’ Vanderleest,” Murray relayed to Hockey News North. “I want to be able to help the Espanola program with quality recruits for the future.”
Murray, whose was most recent scouting gig was with the Sault College Cougars varsity men’s hockey team, has also scouted for a number of teams in the NOJHL over the years including the Blind River Beavers, Soo Eagles, Soo Thunderbirds and the erstwhile Northern Michigan Black Bears.
Known for his old school ways and scouting for a renumeration that is usually no more than a hat, a jacket and a cold beer or two after a given game, Murray is a long retired steelworker. He has built up many valuable contacts on both sides of the Ontario/Michigan international border over his many decades in the game.
Charly is a class act! Best of luck to him. Big heart for the game!
Hockey is in his blood and has been since he was young. I am so glad that he has found another niche for his passion.
I am very pleased that Rapper and Marc have added me to their staff. I am very thankful to this opportunity. My passion is rekindled.
Go Charly. SF