| Born: | Feb 24, 1934 | Draft: | Undrafted |
| Hometown: | South Porcupine, Ontario | Position: | Centre |
| Known For: | Hockey Hall of Fame | Builder | Shoots: | Right |
| National Team: | Canada | Current Status: | Retired |
Murray Costello (born February 24, 1934) is a former Canadian ice hockey player, having played his final year in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings during the 1956-1957 season. Undrafted at the NHL level, Costello was noticed by the Chicago Blackhawks during his three years with St. Michael’s Majors. Signing with them, he was assigned to their OHA-Jr. affiliate Galt Black Hawks, where he recorded one goal in three games before moving on to the American Hockey League (AHL).
Making his NHL debut in the same year, Costello appeared in 40 games with the Blackhawks, finishing his first season with three goals and two assists. His trade to the Boston Bruins gave Costello increased playing time the following year, playing a total of 54 games and finishing the year with four goals and 15 points. The following year, he got off to a decent start with six goals and six assists in 41 games, but the Bruins sent him packing to Detroit, along with Lorne Ferguson, for Real Chevrefils and Jerry Toppazzini.
Following two seasons with the Red Wings in which he appeared in 27 games, Costello failed to record any points and was demoted to the Edmonton Flyers. His downward trend continued into the final two seasons of his career, playing for the Windsor Bulldogs of the OHA-Sr. league. Admittedly, he recognized that he had the skill to remain in the NHL but lacked the mindset to go through the grind of the league, which included blocking shots.
Murray Costello Statistics
Deeper Dive
Staff History
- Seattle Totems, WHL-Sr. (Director of Hockey Operations) 1966-1970
- Phoenix Roadrunners, WHA (Scout) 1974-1975
Achievements
- 2x WHL Lester Patrick Cup Champion (1967, 1968)
- Hockey Hall of Fame | Builder (2006)
- IIHF Hall of Fame | Builder (2014)