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Murray Copot

- 1993 Sportsperson of the Year -

Murray, the Calgary Booster Club’s 40th Sportsperson of the Year, is recognized in the Calgary community for his significant contribution to amateur hockey. Murray celebrates his honour with Mary, his wife of 44 years, and his five children (one son and four daughters. “I’m overwhelmed… I feel very humbled to be the same company as people like Stu Peppard and Jack Setters,” he declared. “I’m honoured to be recognized by the Booster Club which has been around many, many years. It’s a hard working group which has done a lot for all sports in Calgary.”

Murray moved to Calgary in 1948 from Winnipeg and established himself in the business community. However, as his children grew and became involved in community Sports, Murray made it a ‘family affair’ and jumped behind the bench.

 

Murray has worked tirelessly over the past four decades for amateur hockey at the local, provincial and national levels. From 1955 through 1965 he coached all levels of minor hockey as well as serving as Sports Director of Briar Hill Community. In 1970 Murray coached his Triwood Juveniles to the Alberta title. Between 1978 and 1980, he coached in the Henry Viney League.

Murray became involved with Minor Hockey Calgary in 1963 as the Director of the Tiny Mites Division, and also contributed on the Board of Directors through 1973. Eventually, Murray became the President and served in that capacity from 1975 to 1977.

Following Murray’s successful tenure with the Calgary Association, he went on to serve the Alberta Amateur Hockey Association. Between 1977 and 1992, he contributed to the provincial scene as a Director, Vice-President and finally President (1986-88). Murray’s dedication to hockey was not to go unnoticed as he was named a Director of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association from 1986 to 1988.

Murray has been recognized on numerous occasions for his dedicated service to amateur hockey:

  • Calgary Minor Hockey “Award of Merit”, 1980
  • Calgary Booster Club “Honoured Athletic Leader”, 1981
  • Calgary Minor Hockey “Recognition Award”, 1981
  • Canadian Amateur Hockey Association “Recognition Award”, 1985
  • Calgary “Olympic Volunteer 88 Club”, 1988
  • Thornhill Arena was renamed the “Murray Copot Arena”, 1991
  • Canadian Amateur Hockey Association “Volunteer of the Year”, 1991
  • Central Zone Referees Committee Award, 1992
  • Alberta Amateur Hockey Association “Life Member”, 1992.
 

Murray remains active today as he coordinates the marketing and advertising for the Alberta Hockey News, as well as assisting with the Mac’s Midget and Blackfoot Inn Bantam Tournaments. On most nights of the week, you can find Murray out cheering on one of his nine grandchildren as they pursue their athletic endeavours.

The Calgary Booster Club takes great pride in recognizing Murray Copot as Calgary’s 40th Sportsperson of the Year.