The Washington Capitals don’t really have too many fond memories of their inaugural 1974-75 season. An 8-67-5 record for 21 points, a 17-game losing streak, and 446 goals conceded are numbers that no team would want next to their name. But then again, one number from that season went on to become the stuff of legends. That was the jersey number 8. But before it was worn by Hall of Famer Larry Murphy. Before Alexander Ovechkin climbed the NHL goalscoring summit with it on his back. Before all of them—there was a young defender in Murray Anderson who lived his dream on the ice wearing the 8. So when the Capitals came to know that he was no more, it tugged at their heartstrings.

The Capitals shared their grief on their official X account, stating, “The Washington Capitals are saddened to learn of the passing of alumnus Murray Anderson. Anderson was a member of the inaugural team, appearing in 40 games with Washington during the 1974-75 season. Anderson, who was the first player in franchise history to wear No. 8, will forever be a part of our organisation’s history.” That No. 8 carries a legacy, one that Anderson, a tough defenseman from The Pas, Manitoba, etched into the franchise’s story.

Anderson’s journey to the NHL began with his junior career alongside the Flin Flon Bombers, just a 90-minute drive from his hometown. Drafted by the Montréal Canadiens in the fourth round of the 1969 NHL Entry Draft, he kicked off his professional career in 1970-71, splitting time between the Montréal Voyageurs and Rochester Americans. By 1973-74, his leadership shone through as he captained the AHL’s New Haven Nighthawks. When the NHL expanded to include Washington and Kansas City, the Capitals selected Anderson in the 1974 NHL Expansion Draft.

On October 22, 1974, Anderson laced up for his first NHL game with the Capitals and scored his first point on February 22, 1975, by assisting on a Bill Lesuk goal. Anderson also suited up for Washington’s AHL affiliate, the Richmond Robins, during that challenging year. He later played for the AHL’s Springfield team and the Central Hockey League’s Tulsa Oilers, wrapping up his pro career after two more seasons. He was 27 at the time. Granted, that is a playing career far too short for someone who loved hockey as deeply as Murray did. But he had other aspirations, too.

After he wrapped up his career on ice, Murray took to the skies, obtaining a pilot’s license—a lifelong dream of his. And as much as he loved the sport he made his name in, he refused to be known as a hockey “goon” and went on to pursue higher education at the University of Manitoba. Not only that, in a heartfelt note among the many maintained by Tributebook.com in honor of the Capitals D-man, one of his near and dear ones wrote how when she had discussed going to the university with him, he had encouraged it by referring to it as a “breath of fresh air.” That was who Murray was. Although his hockey career spanned multiple teams, he was grounded in the community of The Pas in Manitoba.

Washington Capitals are not the only ones with fond memories of Murray

Among the many things that Murray pursued after taking his final curtain call as a skater, he also coached many local hockey teams. One of them was the Pas Huskies. “It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of Murray Anderson (1949-2025),” wrote the Huskies on their Instagram page as they learned of the Washington Capitals’ player’s demise. “He was instrumental in pushing Junior hockey in The Pas, serving as the Head Coach of The Pas Huskies Junior A team,” they added. And his support for the local hockey scene didn’t stop there.

Murray remained a fixture in the local hockey scene, cheering on young players at Huskies Minor Hockey and Northern Manitoba Blizzard games. Even in his later years, Anderson was spotted rinkside, soaking in the action at events like the Turnbull Cup Playoffs. His dedication to nurturing the next generation of players left a lasting mark on The Pas hockey community, proving that his legacy extended far beyond his brief time with the Caps.

“All of us who grew up in The Pas thought the world of Murray – and especially us “rink rats” who liked to think he was a part of our little world,” wrote another community member who had the fortune of knowing the Washington Capitals’ No. 8. All in all, Murray is remembered as a humble, funny, and kind man who loved fishing, golfing, travelling—and, of course—never ran out of hockey stories.