Cheers to Murray Craven

Murray Craven, born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, retired to Whitefish after 18 years of distinguished professional hockey.

At age 16 he began his career with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL, a junior hockey league. In 1982 at the age of 18 he was drafted in the first round (17th overall) in the National League Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings. This was followed by an illustrious career, eight years of which were with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Extensive computer articles outline his history stating that in the Red Wings training camp “his signs of brilliance” impressed the coaching staff to the point that they inserted him into the lineup. He was later traded to the Flyers, where he had his best years. Murray is an avid fisherman and golfer and was awarded a fishing boat in honor of his 1000th game. He “was instrumental” in leading the Flyers to the Stanley Cup finals on two occasions and he received the Flyers “Class Guy” award. He was captain or alternate of three different teams and played in 1,071 games and tallied 759 points.

While it probably wasn’t love at first sight, Sheri and Murray started first grade together in Medicine Hat and ultimately married. They have one son, Joel, and two daughters, Haley and Sara. Needless to say, they are all active, play hockey and take advantage of the amenities of the area.

Murray volunteers as coach but is involved with all aspects of the Stumptown Ice Den. He was chair of the $2.4 million fundraising project to build the Den, and is president of the Glacier Hockey Association. His coaching involves working with youngsters from ages 6 to 18 and he gets great satisfaction from watching them develop in confidence, skill, sportsmanship and citizenship. Friends and co-workers say we are indeed fortunate to have a person such as he acting as a role model and leader of our youth.

Murray we are glad you chose Whitefish as the place to retire. The Duke of Wellington is credited with saying “The battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton.” A modern version might be that the battle of life is won on the playing fields of our youth. You have contributed immeasurably to the future of our youngsters and we thank you.

— Jake Heckathorn