Meet Murray
How it started
Few people in the world of hockey have had the opportunity to become so involved in so many aspects of the game as has Murray Williamson. Twice coach of a U.S. Olympic team (1968 and 1972), and five times coach of U.S. National teams.
Murray's hockey-oriented life, which started on the frozen ponds of South Winnipeg at the age of 6, has touched practically every level of the game as a player, coach, parent, general manager and administrator in Canada, the United States and Europe.
He played through the minor systems in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As a 15-year old he was recruited into the sponsorship system of the Montreal Canadiens where he competed for 3 years. Murray left the St. Boniface Canadien junior system in 1954 to attend junior college in Eveleth, MN, where he also played for the Eveleth Rangers in the Thunder Bay Senior League. In 1955 he joined John Mariucci's University of Minnesota team, ultimately becoming a hockey All-American in 1959. After graduation with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration he played semi-pro hockey in the Ontario Hockey Association Senior League.
Over the next 5 years he coached in more than 200 international senior matches with 5 National and 2 Olympic teams. He directed the American team in the 1968 Olympics in Grenoble, France, and the 1972 Winter Games in Sapporo, Japan, winning the Silver Medal in 1972. He coached as well the American entrants in the World Championships in Vienna, Geneva and Bucharest from 1967 to 1972. His overall record included more than 130 victories against some of the best competition in the United States and the world.
In 1976 Murray scouted for the Buffalo Sabres, and in 1977 he was a head coach in the Swiss Elite League in Geneva, Switzerland. In 2000 Murray was elected to the Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame as a result of the numerous Massachusetts players he coached on various teams. He was on the developmental committee for the establishment of the Hobey Baker award, hockey's most prestigious award for the outstanding college player. He himself was awarded the Hobey Baker Legend of Hockey Award in 2005 in recognition of his lifelong commitment to the sport of hockey.
Meet John
When John “J.J.” Schaidler was young he could only imagine two possible futures: becoming a writer and playing hockey. Much like his boyhood idol, Tony Esposito, J.J. became a goalie when the older kids needed somebody to shoot at. Mimicking Tony O’s “butterfly” style as a four-year starter in high school, J.J. earned MVP honors twice and was named to the Wisconsin All-State team his senior year. Sadly, his NHL dreams ended there. Not coincidentally, his childhood nickname J.J. was also left behind. He never stopped writing, however, and has made a career of it for over three decades.
Working professionally as John Schaidler, he’s written and edited everything from TV commercials and corporate videos, to grant applications, press releases, website copy, stage plays, academic papers and billboards. His eclectic resume includes a wide array of memoirs including “Gold, Silver, Bronze: A Doctor’s Devotion to American Hockey” by the legendary George “Doc” Nagobads and “Warda: My Journey from the Horn of Africa to a College Education” by college scholarship winner Warda Abdullahi. He’s also had the pleasure of editing numerous children’s books, including the award winning picture book, “Gizo-Gizo: A Tale from the Zongo Lagoon,” and the graphic novel, “Lake of Tears.”
John resides in Monterey, California, where he can often be found tide pooling, hiking through the redwoods, playing board games or questing for street tacos.
Meet Beth
Beth Gibson Lilja has specialized in organizing, training, and preserving memories for over 20 years. As a Certified Professional Photo Manager, she has helped 750-plus people and companies save, organize, and share their photo legacies.
Through her company, BGL & Associates, LLC, Beth creates photo management plans that she, or her clients, carry out. These plans transform print and digital photos and memorabilia into treasured memories with stunning photo displays.
This work has inspired an events business, where Beth hosts gatherings and retreats to assist others with their photos and projects. Some attend for a break, or to simply catch up on work or socializing at her “STUDIOescape™.”
Her continued success has expanded to organizing home offices to save clients time and to simplify personal and professional lives. She is a Golden Circle member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO).
A born leader, Beth has served as president of numerous boards to help grow and improve various nonprofit organizations, which has also led to a public speaking career.
Beth graduated from St. Cloud State University. She lives in Golden Valley, Minnesota with her husband Patrick and their dog Caribbean (Cari). She loves travel, photography, and making new friends.
Roger Godin
Book Editor, MN Wild Team Curator,
Former Executive Director of the Hockey Hall of Fame •
RGodin@WILD.com