At this time of year, character is paramount. The chase for the Stanley Cup is an arduous, exhausting process, and year after year, the teams that are most successful are those that come together like a family. And when a high-character player battles through injury and illness to take a regular shift, it sends an inspirational message to his teammates that cannot be ignored.

Back in 2006, the Edmonton Oilers went on a storybook run all the way to Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals. And though they didn't get to celebrate with Lord Stanley's cherished chalice, the stunning ride still left many indelible memories for hockey fans to savor for years to come.

One member of that squad, Rem Murray, battled through unconscionable adversity to get back onto the ice. And though his story hasn't received much national media play to date, it's one that still rings true two years later. In 2004, while playing for the Nashville Predators, Murray started to experience some very concerning symptoms.

"I started getting tremors after a practice or a game and, at first, I didn't consider it a big deal," Murray said in a recent phone interview. "But then it started happening more and more, even when I was just sitting around. It worsened to the point where my head started turning to the left, uncontrollably, and it was really effecting the way I played."

During a live television interview between periods of a game against the Red Wings in Detroit, Murray was unable to look directly into the camera. He knew then that the situation was now public, and immediately told the trainer what he'd been going through. The next day in Toronto, he met with one of the world's leading neurologists, who diagnosed the disease as cervical dystonia.

"Once the doctor diagnosed the problem, I was willing to do anything at that point to ease the pain," Murray remembered. "I wanted to put my head through a wall. The only comfortable position was lying down, which wasn't that comfortable either. It was the most intense pain ever."

Now it's important to put Murray's pain into proper context. As a professional hockey player, Murray is able to play through aches and pains that would debilitate the average person.

"If you have to go through reconstruction on your knee, you put yourself to the limit, the most pain you can take," Murray said. "Because the faster you get through the rehab, the faster you can get back on the ice. But with CD, there were no answers or relief."

Typically, one thinks of BOTOX in terms of plastic surgery. But its primary, original purpose was for the treatment of debilitating medical conditions. And it provided Murray with tremendous relief relatively quickly.

"After taking BOTOX, it took about seven days for me to experience relief," Murray remembered. "The pain subsided, and I got my mobility back. I was really glad that there was a name for what I had.

After the pain subsided, the tenacious Murray battled his way back to the NHL. A tryout with the Red Wings didn't bear fruit, so he signed with the AHL's Houston Aeros in the fall of 2005 and scored 35 points in 54 games. The performance convinced the Oilers to sign Murray in March 2006, and he went on to play a key role for Edmonton in the playoffs, suiting up for 24 postseason games.

Today, Murray plays for HIFK Helsinki in the Finnish Elite League, where he has been a consistently strong contributor. But even more importantly, he's taking a leadership role to help others with CD.

"It's important to raise awareness, and it's important that people suffering from CD get a proper diagnosis from a professional who understands what they're going through," Murray said. "I just want to raise awareness and give hope to others who are living with the disease and suffering in silence."

With that in mind, Murray has signed on to be a spokesperson for the BOTOX Dreams campaign (sponsored by Allergan, the maker of BOTOX). It's an opportunity for those affected by CD to share their story and have a chance at a $10,000 grant for a favorite community-focused program of their choice, such as community libraries, senior centers or other service or charitable organizations. By sharing their stories publicly, patients will help raise awareness of CD, its impact on one's life and encourage earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Patients suffering from CD are asked to submit an essay describing their struggle with the condition and what treatment with BOTOX has meant during recovery. A panel of judges, including Murray, leading neurologists and representatives from patient advocacy organizations will select four CD patients, representing four U.S. regions. To obtain a grant entry form, visit BOTOXMedical.com. Entries must be received by July 21.

Indeed, character is critical come playoff time. And though he's not playing for an NHL team in this spring's playoffs, Murray is demonstrating Cup-caliber character with his off-ice efforts. Kudos to Murray, a crunch time hero if ever there was one.