During his two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, Murray Costello set a unique and unforgettable standard: The right-handed centre wore the winged wheel in 31 NHL games (24 regular season games in 1955-56, three in 1956-57 and four playoff games in the spring of 1956) but failed to score a single point.
But Costello's overall contributions to the game of hockey are immeasurable.
The Hockey Hall of Fame and its members are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Honorary Member and former Hockey Hall of Fame Board Member Murray Costello.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Costello family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/Vno0zK275W
— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) July 29, 2024
Costello, who died Monday at age 90, was president of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association and later president of Hockey Canada. In fact, Costello was instrumental in the merger of the CAHA and Hockey Canada in the mid-1990s.
As president of the Canadian Hockey Association, he was a passionate advocate for the development of women's hockey. Costello was a key figure in organizing the first Women's World Hockey Championship in 1991.
On the world stage, Costello served as a member of the IIHF Council from 1998 to 2012, including five years as the Council's Vice-President. In 2005, Costello was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a Builder. He was also awarded the Order of Canada.
The Red Wings are one of four NHL teams
Costello began his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks from 1953 to 1954. He was traded to the Boston Bruins the following season.
On January 16, 1956, the Bruins traded Costello and Lorne Ferguson to the Red Wings in exchange for Leal Chevrefils and Jerry Topazzini.
In my nearly 25 years in international hockey, Murray Costello was one of the most decent people I have ever met. He had a great mix of integrity, knowledge and strength of character that made a big impact on the IIHF Board of Trustees. Murray was also a great storyteller. > https://t.co/6Z8CZHByye
— Simon Szemberg (@Sz1909_Szemberg) July 29, 2024
“It was fun to go and play and hang out with guys like Gordie Howe for a short time, but none of us ever dreamed it would turn out like this,” Costello told the Hockey Hall of Fame website about his time in Detroit. “For a young guy, it was exciting to play with those established stars.”
“(While with the Red Wings) I lived in (landlord) Ma Shaw's house with Red Kelly, Metro Priestay and Bill Dineen. It was a very special experience and one I'll never forget.”
