Bryan Murray was always a larger than life presence for long-time NHL defenceman Luke Richardson.
Richardson played in more than 1,400 regular season games during his 22-year career, but long before he dreamed of playing in the big leagues, Murray served as an inspiration, pushing him to the top of the game.
Accordingly, Richardson felt fortunate to have had one last chance to speak with him during a Murray family barbeque in Shawville earlier this month.
After a three-year battle with colon cancer, Murray died while surrounded by family and friends on Saturday. He was with the Senators for the final 13 years of his 36-year career as an NHL coach, general manager and senior executive.