Old scout returns to Blind River
It didn’t take time-honoured Charly Murray long to get back into the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League scene.
Just a few days after being released as a special assignment scout by the new-direction operators of the Soo Thunderbirds, Murray confirmed to HockeyNewsNorth.com that he has agreed to serve as a senior advisor to the hockey department of the NOJHL’s Blind River Beavers, effective immediately.
Murray met earlier today with new Blind River coach Kyle Brick and the two came to an agreement that led to an association with the Beavers.
The 65-year old 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 a pair of stints with the Thunderbirds.
A retired steelworker who has had a life-long passion for amateur hockey, 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, in his own words, “really enjoyed” his earlier time in Blind River and alongside former coach Todd Stencill, was part of a franchise-best success that the Beavers enjoyed seven years ago.
On the flip side, Murray — affectionately known as the “Old Goat” to many of his junior hockey friends — remains a popular individual in Blind River among long-time Beavers fans and supporters.
Brick, as the new coach in Blind River, said Murray’s experience will be of value to the Beavers.
“The organization is happy to have Charly aboard,” Brick told HockeyNewsNorth.com. “Charly’s experience within the game will be a valuable component as we continue to stride towards making a winner here in Blind River.”
With Blind River trying to emerge from what has been five years in the NOJHL doldrums, the Beavers earlier this spring hired the aforementioned Brick — a former assistant coach with the two-time reigning champion Thunderbirds — as their new bench boss. And the 30-year old Brick in turn brought in 25-year old Dylan King, a former Ontario Hockey League defenseman with the Soo Greyhounds, as assistant coach.
Both Brick and King hail from Thessalon, which is located about halfway between Blind River and Sault Ste. Marie.
After missing the NOJHL playoffs in 2015-2016 and finishing 11th in the 12-team NOJHL, the Beavers parted ways with coach-general manager Brad Barton — and a new executive led by president-elect Robert Morningstar hired Brick as head coach and appointed Blind River resident Dennis Lawrence as administrative general manager.
Looking forward to a return to Blind River with an up and coming coach and staff that have the direction of the team on solid ground already and for the future of this well respected franchise, nothing but bright skies ahead. With solid support from the community , Kyle and his staff will work hard to put a team on the ice that is not only competitive but will bring pride to the community once again. I want to thank Kyle for this opportunity and look forward to seeing all my friends as it has been too long.
Great News! On top of the Beavers News as always. Thanks RR
I am starting to get a better feeling about the Beavers .. more better than I have had since Todd left . and now with “old Charley” now back and with the “KIDS” Kyle Brick and Dylan King. Yes oh yes I am feeling better about the Beavers. Dennis, Robert, Pam, Linda and the Board need to raise $ and keep the Beavers operating while to let the “hockey people do the job of hockey people” which is my opinion also the opinion of many who support the Beavers for many years.
Charly,
Welcome back.
Many of us know that you will be a great asset to this team and the new young guys.
See ya soon.
Not sure why the TBirds are letting so many of those that had a hand in the Championships get away. I can see Denny wanting to pit his stamp on the Team although I do not agree with letting all of this expereince get away.
So glad to hear this!!!
Now Blind River will became a more-winning team. The Soo Thunderbirds are gonna realize they’ll never add anymore trophies to their case.