2x Stanley Cup champion, NHL coach of the year Bob Murdoch diagnosed with stage 3 CTE

(Boston) – The family of two-time Stanley Cup champion and 1989-90 NHL coach of the year Bob Murdoch is announcing today his stage 3 (of 4) chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) diagnosis. Boston University CTE Center researchers made the diagnosis after Murdoch passed away in August 2023 at age 76. Bev Murdoch is releasing the findings of her husband’s brain study through the Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF) to raise awareness for the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts in hockey.

“This diagnosis was not a surprise,” said Bev Murdoch, Bob’s wife of 37 years. “He knew, we all knew, intuitively what caused his suffering. So much more needs to be done in professional hockey to acknowledge and prevent CTE. If not, there will be more people like Bob who will lose many years of their lives. It’s not only the athletes who suffer. This disease causes such a significant impact on the family, especially the spouses who become caregivers. For seven years, I watched the love of my life disappear. I want the NHL to stop fighting and stop head hits, period, and start saving lives.”

In 2015 Murdoch, whom teammates called “Mud,” began to experience mild cognitive impairment. Four years later, his doctors told him they believed he had Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinsonism. Murdoch suspected CTE was contributing to his symptoms and made the decision to donate his brain to Boston University after his death. The post-mortem study showed that along with severe CTE, Murdoch did have Lewy body disease and mild Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers are studying whether CTE, which would have developed first while Murdoch was playing, may increase the risk of developing additional brain diseases later in life.

“We thank Bev and Bob Murdoch for their support of CTE research and advocacy,” said Dr. Ann McKee, chief of neuropathology for the VA Boston Healthcare System and director of the Boston University CTE Center and UNITE Brain Bank. “I’m disappointed that the NHL still refuses to acknowledge a clear causal relationship between repetitive head impacts and CTE. I wish the commissioner could see the damage these brains endure and the pain this disease causes families.”

According to public records, 16 of 17 NHL players studied in the U.S. and Canada have now been diagnosed with CTE, including Murdoch’s former Montreal teammates Ralph Backstrom and Henri Richard, as well as Stan Mikita, Bob Probert, and Steve Montador. CTE has also been diagnosed in amateur players.

Hockey Hall of Famer Ken Dryden was Murdoch’s close friend and teammate in Montreal and on the Canadian national team. The former Federal Cabinet Minister and CLF Canada supporter has long called for the NHL and all levels of hockey to do more to prevent repetitive head impacts.

“Mud wore a helmet; he wasn’t a fighter,” said Dryden. “The NHL likes to pretend that players like Bob played in a different time. How today’s NHL is so much safer. But it’s all about hits to the head. Gary Bettman, at least in the past the NHLPA, much of the hockey media and many of the player agents may have fooled themselves, but the brain isn’t fooled. Years of a life diminished or taken away. It’s all so avoidable in so many cases. It’s all so wrong.”

Murdoch had a 12-season NHL career as a defenseman, playing for the Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, and the Atlanta/Calgary Flames from 1970-82. He won the Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1971 and 1973. He later transitioned to coaching, including head coach positions with the Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets. He received the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s coach of the year in 1990 and helped lead Team Canada to a gold medal at the 1994 World Championships. Murdoch was also a member of the San Jose Sharks’ inaugural coaching staff and spent six years coaching in Germany.

Help is available for former hockey players and their families struggling with suspected CTE symptoms. The CLF HelpLine provides free, personalized support to patients and families through doctor recommendations, peer support, and resources. Anyone who needs assistance can reach out at CLFHelpline.org.

Former and current hockey players, contact sport athletes, and servicemembers are encouraged to get involved in clinical research, and pledge to donate their brains at PledgeMyBrain.org.