Murray Henderson's mother was the oldest of ten Conacher children, which made Henderson the nephew of hockey legend Charlie Conacher. But in spite of the noble lineage, he held only a modest goal of playing senior hockey with the Toronto Marlboros.
But the arrival of World War II cleared the ranks of the NHL as so many of its practitioners were in uniform. Henderson himself found service with the Canadian Royal Airforce until his father's death brought an early discharge.
Henderson then found himself back in a hockey circle desperate for players. His senior aspirations were quickly upgraded to the NHL as the Boston Bruins ushered him straight into their defensive corps. This gave "Moe," as he was known, a year to solidify his position before the rest of the league's absentees returned from military duties. By then, Henderson and the Bruins realized he was a better blueliner than anyone had thought. As such, he was able to squeeze seven NHL seasons out of his opportunity, tending to the Bruins' goal crease in an unspectacular but effective manner.
Henderson was eventually dispatched to the Hershey Bears of the AHL for four additional seasons before retirement arrived in 1955.
Henderson refused an offer to scout for the Bruins, citing family considerations. Instead, he returned to Toronto to work.
