DENVER - Legendary University of Denver head hockey coach Murray "The Chief" Armstrong died at the age of 94 last night in St. Augustine, Fla., following complications from a series of strokes. Armstrong guided the Pioneers to five NCAA championships (1958, 1960, 1961, 1968, 1969), eight WCHA championships and three NCAA runner-up finishes, while posting an incredible 460-215-31 mark in 21 seasons from 1956-77.

"I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of coach Murray Armstrong," DU head coach George Gwozdecky said. "The game of hockey and the University of Denver has lost one of its great men. Coach Armstrong was the legendary architect of this great DU Pioneer hockey program.

"Before I accepted the head hockey coaches position in 1994, I tried to learn as much as I could about the history of the Pioneer hockey program and what made it so nationally successful and widely respected during Murray's years," Gwozdecky added. "Honesty, hard work, class, respect and dignity are all characteristics that Murray believed in and he promoted these values every day of his coaching career. I have tried to utilize many of his thoughts and ideas in order to build on the great tradition that he established. Murray Armstrong's legacy continues to be felt even today among the history, traditions, and even practice drills of the hockey program."

Among the many highlights of Armstrong's coaching career were the first NCAA title in 1958, the historic 4-4 tie with the Russian National Team in 1959, the 1960-61 squad which posted an incredible 30-1-1 record, the 1959-60 tie and victory over the eventual gold-medal U.S. Olympic Team, and the dramatic 4-3 upset win over Cornell for the 1969 NCAA championship. Twice honored as WCHA Coach of the Year (1961 & 1968), Armstrong also copped the Spencer Penrose Award as the NCAA Division I Coach of the Year in 1961. Armstrong's contributions to the game did not go unnoticed by the National Hockey League - in 1977 he was awarded the Lester Patrick Trophy for "outstanding service to hockey in the United States."

Armstrong played nine years in the NHL for the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Americans and Detroit Red Wings from 1937-46. From 1947-56, he coached the Regina Pats at the Canadian Junior A level before arriving in Denver. When Armstrong arrived in the Mile High City, he promised to give DU a national championship in three years or he'd quit. Armstrong delivered on the promise in only two years with DU's first NCAA championship in 1958.

"The University of Denver family lost a true Pioneer last night," DU Vice Chancellor Peg Bradley-Doppes said. "Murray was one of the most successful coaches in college hockey history, but he meant much more to his student-athletes and the University of Denver. He was a mentor and role model, who shaped the lives of many Pioneers. He lived a long, happy and successful life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Armstrong family."

One of the finest tributes paid to Armstrong upon his retirement came from longtime-Denver sportswriter Dick Connor, who said, "He has been to college hockey what only a handful ever are to other sports--a John Wooden to basketball, for instance, a Woody Hayes or Bear Bryant to football. An era ends. We won't see another like him." On August 3, 1990, a life-size bronze sculpture of Armstrong was unveiled in conjunction with the Pioneer Hockey 40th Reunion. He entered the University of Denver Athletic Hall of Fame with the inaugural class in 1996.

"Coach Armstrong's impact on the lives of his former student-athletes is profound" Gwozdecky added. "I often speak with his former players, who almost always bring up a fond memory, a favorite statement or a life-lesson that Murray taught them. They all freely admit that they are better men because Murray touched their lives as a coach and as a mentor. Murray Armstrong will remain in Pioneer hearts forever."

"Murray was a visionary and a coach ahead of his time," Air Force head coach and former Denver head coach (1990-94) Frank Serratore said. "He was a brilliant hockey man, who outworked as well as outcoached his colleagues. Murray was one of the first coaches who actively traveled to the hockey hotbeds of Minnesota and Western Canada to convince high-end players into playing college hockey, a practice which is common place today."

Armstrong retired to Venice, Florida in 1977 where he pursued his other sporting passion - golf. He played the game regularly until 2010 when he was 94. In 2000, he and his wife moved to St. Augustine, Florida, to be closer to his son and his wife. Armstrong often said his proudest accomplishment was "all of the fine young men" whose lives he touched. He was in contact with many of his former players to the end.

In 2009, his former players created a book of "Murray-isms" - some of his sayings that live on. They called it "Don't Think, It Weakens the Club." Among his favorite sayings: "Excuses are for losers."

"Our deepest condolences go out to Murray's wife, Freda, and his son, Rob," former University of Denver head coach (1981-90) Ralph Backstrom said. "Murray set the bar very high and elevated the coaching bar for all of us coaches who followed him. We could feel his presence throughout our coaching experiences at the University of Denver. Murray played 270 games in the NHL, but his impressive standards and records as head coach of the University of Denver overshadowed his professional playing career."

"Murray was a true mentor and role model for me and hundreds of DU hockey student-athletes," former Pioneer player (1961-63) and head coach (1977-1981) Marshall Johnston added. "His academic standards that went along with success on the ice have set the tone for the DU hockey program for the last 50 years."

Armstrong, who was born Jan. 1, 1916 in Manor, Saskatchewan, is survived by Freda, his wife of 68 years, and his son, Rob.

Memorial donations should be directed to: Community Hospice Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

Follow DU athletics on the web at www.DenverPioneers.com

Follow DU athletics on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DU_Pioneers

Become a fan of the Denver Pioneers on Facebook.