Former Red Wings Forward Costello Ran Hockey Canada

During his two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, Murray Costello set a unique and forgettable standard. The right-shot center wore the winged wheel for 31 NHL games – 24 regular-season games in 1955-56 and three more in 1956-57, as well as four playoff games in the spring of 1956 – and never collected a single point.

However, Costello’s overall contribution to the game of hockey is immeasurable.

The Hockey Hall of Fame and its members are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Honoured Member and former Member of HHOF’s Board of Directors, Murray Costello.

We offer our sincerest condolences to the Costello family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/Vno0zK275W

— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) July 29, 2024

Costello, who died Monday at the age of 90, was president of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association and later, Hockey Canada. In fact, he was instrumental in the merger of the CAHA and Hockey Canada in the mid-1990s.

As Hockey Canada president, he was a tireless advocate for the growth of women’s hockey. Costello was a key figure in the organization of the first women’s world hockey championship in 1991.

On the world stage, Costello served as a member of the IIHF Council from 1998-2012. For five years, he served as vice-president of the council. In 2005, Costello was enshrined as a builder in the Hockey Hall of Fame. He was also called to The Order Of Canada.

Red Wings One Of Four NHL Teams

Costello began his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1953-54. He would move to the Boston Bruins the following season.

On January 16, 1956, the Bruins would trade Costello and Lorne Ferguson to the Red Wings in exchange for Real Chevrefils and Jerry Toppazzini.

In my soon 25 years in international hockey, Murray Costello was the most decent person I met. He combined integrity, knowledge with a backbone and he had a huge influence on the IIHF council. Murray was also a wonderful storyteller. > https://t.co/6Z8CZHByye

— Szymon Szemberg (@Sz1909_Szemberg) July 29, 2024

“It was nice to play the game and it was nice to be among guys like Gordie Howe for the short time that I was but there is no way any of us would’ve dreamed it would end up like this,” Costello told the Hockey Hall of Fame website about his time in Detroit. “It was a thrill for a young guy to be able to play with those established stars.

“(While with the Red Wings) I lived with Red Kelly, Metro Prystai and Bill Dineen at (landlord) Ma Shaw’s. That was a very special experience and one I will never forget.”