CALGARY, AB – Hockey Canada’s Senior Director, Men’s National Teams/Communications, Brad Pascall, along with Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada’s Director, Men’s National Teams and in collaboration with the Canadian Hockey League, announced the hiring of Al Murray, of Regina, SK, as the Head Scout for Canada’s National Junior, National Under-18 and Under-17 Programs.

“We are very pleased to welcome Al Murray into the fold as our Head Scout,” said Brad Pascall. “Al has an abundance of experience, and he will be a great addition to our Men’s Hockey Operations department to bring Canada additional international success in the coming seasons.”

As Head Scout for the National Junior, National Under-18 and Under-17 Programs, Al Murray will be responsible for all player evaluation and selection for the National Junior Team Development and Selection Camps and the National Under-18 Program. Murray, 50, has a wealth of scouting experience, having most recently served as the Los Angeles Kings’ Director of Amateur Scouting for 12 years. Murray began his NHL career with Los Angeles in 1988 after serving as Head Coach at the University of Regina and also served as Development Coordinator for the Ottawa District Hockey Association.

“I am very excited about this opportunity with Hockey Canada,” said Murray. “I look forward to playing a part in helping Canada maintain its great international reputation.”

Murray takes over for Jim Hammett (Kelowna, BC) who, after one year with Hockey Canada, accepted a position as the Head Amateur Scout with the New York Rangers earlier this summer.

The Men’s Hockey Operations department oversees the Program of Excellence (Under-17 Regional Programs, National Under-18 Program, National Junior Team) and the Men’s Senior Programs (National Men’s Team, Men’s Worlds Team, Men’s Sledge Hockey Team, Men’s Olympic Team).