Playing Career (1952-1962):

✦ Limited NHL Success: Played four seasons (1958-1962) in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Detroit Red Wings.

✦ Statistics: Despite having respectable offensive skills, he struggled to adapt to the physical demands of the NHL, amassing only 13 goals, 19 assists, and 32 points in 162 games.

✦ Early Retirement: He realized his limitations and decided to retire from professional hockey at the age of 28.

Administrative Career (1960s-Present):

✦ Shifting Gears: After his playing career, Costello returned to school and earned his law degree. He then transitioned into the administrative side of hockey.

✦ WHL Success: He served as an executive with the Seattle Totems in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and guided them to back-to-back championships in 1967 and 1968.

✦ Leadership Roles: He held various leadership positions within the hockey community, including serving as president of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (now Hockey Canada) for 19 years (1979-1998).

✦ Lasting Impact: During his tenure, he played a crucial role in developing women's hockey and contributed significantly to the overall advancement of hockey in Canada.

Honors and Recognition:

✦ Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2005, recognizing his overall contributions to the sport beyond just his playing career.

✦ Recipient of numerous other awards and accolades for his dedication and service to Canadian hockey.

It's important to remember that while Murray Costello's playing career in the NHL was relatively short, his achievements in administration and his dedication to the sport earned him a lasting legacy in the hockey world.