Let’s rename the Shawville Arena

With the recent passing of Bryan Murray, the hockey world descended upon Shawville to pay their respects to a legend.
Murray had a long, storied career as an NHL coach and GM. He won the most prestigious award any hockey coach can win by taking home the Jack Adams Trophy in 1984.
He took the Ottawa Senators to the Stanley Cup Final for the only time in the organization’s modern history in 2007, only to lose to another team he helped to create – the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.

Murray’s eye for talent was second-to-none. Not only that, but he was able to get the most out of his players no matter where he went or the generational divide between himself and his skaters.
The glowing terms used to describe Murray demonstrate that he was held in high esteem by his colleagues.
Not only that, but he was held in high esteem by his community. Although a fairly private man, Murray was always willing to lend a hand when it came to fundraising in his hometown of Shawville.
Without a man like Bryan Murray, odds are that Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock would never have heard of Shawville.
“Bryan talked about Shawville like it was the greatest place on earth,” Babcock said at Murray’s celebration of life. “I’ve never been to Shawville but I’ve heard everything about it.”
Murray put Shawville on the map. Now it’s time Shawville puts the Murray name where it belongs: on the Shawville Arena.
It’s surprising that in a community with such a rich hockey history and community spirit, the arena isn’t already named after a member of the community like Frank Finnigan.
It’s like it was meant to be.
Bryan Murray and Shawville have become synonymous with one another. It’s only fitting that we put his name on a place that was so dear to him.
Many of the kids who lug their hockey bags into that rink on cold winter mornings can only dream of having a career like Murray did. Maybe having his name on the rink will drive home the idea that if he could do it, they can too.
People like to take pride in where they’re from, and Murray was no different. At the same time, towns and cities like to take pride in prominent residents who’ve accomplished a lot in their lives.
Not only was Murray highly-successful as a hockey man, but as a man in general. After his colon cancer diagnosis, Murray made it his mission to spread awareness about his experience so that others would be more proactive.
Who knows how many lives Murray’s actions were able to save, but there are assuredly some out there who are still kicking thanks to Murray.
A man of Murray’s stature and accomplishments doesn’t come around often – especially from small towns like Shawville.
Although this town has honoured Murray in many ways, the ultimate accolade would be for his name to adorn this town’s old barn – a place where hockey brings the community together like no other building can.
It seems only fitting that Shawville’s hockey arena should sport the name of its most accomplished hockey name.
Let’s not miss this opportunity to honour someone who helped put this town on the map.

Chris Lowrey