Andrew Murray (ice hockey)
This hard-working forward parlayed a college championship into an NHL career, later finishing with a unique stint in the Croatian KHL.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Ice hockey player·Birthday: November 6·Millennials
Biography
Andrew Murray’s path to professional hockey was carved through determination and a standout collegiate career. Born in Selkirk, Manitoba, he played four seasons for St. Cloud State University, captaining the team and developing a reputation as a responsible, two-way center. Undrafted, he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets and worked his way up, making his NHL debut in 2007. For several seasons, he served as a dependable fourth-line forward and penalty killer for the Blue Jackets and later the San Jose Sharks, valued for his size, defensive conscience, and work ethic. In a distinctive final chapter, he used his Croatian heritage to join KHL Medveščak Zagreb, playing two seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League and experiencing the game in a passionate European market before retiring.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Andrew was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Andrew Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Andrew's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played 333 regular-season games in the NHL for the Columbus Blue Jackets and San Jose Sharks.
- Captained the St. Cloud State Huskies men's ice hockey team during his senior collegiate season.
- Represented Croatia internationally at the World Championships, leveraging his heritage after his NHL career.
Did You Know?
He won an NCAA (Frozen Four) championship with St. Cloud State University in 2001.
His father, Jim Murray, also played professional hockey in the minor leagues.
He was known by the nickname 'Muzz' during his playing days.
“My job is to win the faceoff and make the simple, hard play.”
