Ever since Las Vegas became rumored to be the destination for an NHL franchise, Murray Craven's name has been part of the equation.
On August 18, his role became official when he stepped into the title of Senior Vice President, after having been one of owner Bill Foley's most trusted advisors throughout the expansion process. RELATED: Get tickets to see the Golden Knights For a lot of that process, Craven's name was present. Although for many fans, much of who Craven is has remained a mystery. Here are six fun facts to get to know Craven better.
1. Craven has known Las Vegas owner Bill Foley for more than 15 years.
They met shortly after Craven's NHL career ended in 2000, when he settled in Whitefish, Montana, about 300 miles southwest of his native Medicine Hat, Alberta. Their relationship started when the two men, separated in age by 20 years, became regular golfing buddies.
2. While in Whitefish, Craven often volunteered as a youth hockey coach, and assisted in the construction of local hockey facilities.
Craven will use this background to assist in the construction of Las Vegas's NHL team's yet-to-be-completed practice facility.
3. Has a relationship with Las Vegas general manager George McPhee dating back to 1993, when McPhee was part of the Vancouver Canucks front office staff that acquired Craven from the Hartford Whalers.
As #VegasIsHockey was searching for a general manager, Craven's input was invaluable as the franchise selected McPhee for the position. When Craven played for McPhee's Canucks, he tallied a career-high 13 playoff points en route to Vancouver's berth in the 1994 Stanley Cup Final.
4. Craven was a part of several blockbuster NHL trades. After getting selected in the first round of the 1982 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings, he was dealt to the Philadelphia Flyers for Hockey Hall of Famer Darryl Sittler.
Eight years later, he was traded from the Flyers to the Hartford Whalers for Whalers All-Star/legend Kevin Dineen.
5. Played in three Stanley Cup Finals, two of which ended in Game 7.
In 1985 and '87, Craven's Flyers were defeated by Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier and the dynasty Edmonton Oilers. In 1994, Craven's Canucks fell one goal short against the New York Rangers, who were coached by his former coach in Philadelphia, Mike Keenan.
6. Was mentored by some of the NHL's very best coaches.
He played for Keenan in Philadelphia and Pat Quinn in Vancouver. He was brought into the NHL under general manager Jimmy Devellano, whose keen eye for talent built the New York Islanders dynasty (four straight Stanley Cups from 1980-83) and Red Wings Stanley Cup-winners in 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2008.
