Legendary DU hockey coach Murray Armstrong dies at 94

Former DU head hockey coach Murray Armstrong passed away on Dec. 8, 2010 at the age of 94 from natural causes.

Armstrong, a five-time NCAA champion head coach, came to the school in 1956 and quickly turned the hockey program into one of national recognition.

“The school got a national profile of being a powerhouse at hockey while he was here, which has allowed people to find out that there was an outstanding private institution in the city of Denver,” said current head coach George Gwozdecky.

The attention around the program has certainly helped the school, as well as college hockey in general, grow. I am more than honored to carry the torch he lit many decades ago.”

In only his second season as head coach, Armstrong, who was nicknamed “the Chief” won his first of five national titles (‘58, ‘60, ‘61, ‘68, ‘69).

He finished his coaching career in 1977 with 460 career wins after 25 years at DU.

Before coaching, Armstrong played in the NHL for nine years, suiting up for the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Americans and Detroit Red Wings.

In addition to his coaching at DU, Armstrong coached the U.S. National team, most notably in 1959 when his team tied with the Russian National Team in 1959.

Armstrong was known for many things, including his famous fedora and using short sayings recalled as “Murray-isms” by former players.

Visit duclarion.com to read a full length profile of Armstrong, including interviews with former Pioneer and NHL greats Jim Wiste and Cliff Koroll.

 

Injured Martin returns to class, is sidelined

Two months after sustaining three neck fractures after a brutal blow on the ice, senior hockey player Jesse Martin has returned to the University of Denver and is attending classes.

The road to recovery has been remarkable for Martin, who suffered a neck injury on Oct. 31 in a game against WCHA-rival, the University of North Dakota at Ralph Engelstad Arena. Now, Martin is going through rehabilitation at Craig Hospital in Englewood, while he attends class on campus.

As for his role on the hockey team, head coach George Gwozdecky said that Martin will be a student assistant coach the rest of the season and be with the team whenever possible.

“I am very happy to have him with us again and it is really nice to see how he has recovered so far and we can only wait and see what happens with his future recovery,” said Gwozdecky.

Before returning to Denver on Dec. 31 to watch the Pioneers take on Northern Michigan at Magness Arena, Martin was at home in Edmonton with family over Christmas break, according to his coach.

“We stayed in touch throughout that time,” said Gwozdecky. “Amazingly, his spirits were always high.”

Per his request, Martin is not speaking to the media.

According to Gwozdecky, he is wearing a cervical collar. during his classes.