Murray Bannerman

Murray Bannerman (born April 27, 1957 in Fort Frances, Ontario) is a retired Canadian ice hockey goaltender.

Tony Esposito's backup for the early portion of his career, Murray Bannerman finally got a chance to shine in the first round of the 1982 playoffs. He won his first two games, on the road no less, and powered his Chicago team to a series victory over the Minnesota North Stars.

He became the number one goalie in Chicago the next season, with Esposito acting as his backup, and eventually tended goal twice in the NHL all-star game for his yeoman work in the Hawk net. Bannerman was the proverbial (player to be named later) when he came to Chicago in 1978. Pit Martin, once traded for Phil Esposito, was dealt by Chicago to Vancouver in 1977. Vancouver took its time, perhaps stretching the definition of (later), and almost sent Glen Hanlon before fixing on Bannerman, who had played one shutout period for the Canucks.

Bannerman had a rude introduction to the Edmonton Oilers in the first game of the team's semi-final series in 1985. The Oilers scored seven goals in two periods, chasing the Hawk goalie to the bench, and won the game 11-2.

Bannerman, who faced thousands of sizzling shots over the course of his career, broke the metacarpal bone in his index finger in 1986. Teammates and coaches said Bannerman lacked the focus and motivation necessary for a long career stopping discs, and he quit the game after a rocky and loss-filled demotion to the minors in 1987.

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