Aces Hire Rob Murray As New Head Coach
Published on July 13, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
Rob Murray was introduced as the new Head Coach of the 2011 Kelly Cup Champion Alaska Aces at a press conference at the downtown Marriott in Anchorage, Aces managing Member, Terry Parks announced on Wednesday morning. Murray previously spent the last eight seasons as a member of the American Hockey League's Providence Bruins Coaching Staff - the last three seasons as the club's Head Coach. Murray will join the Aces immediately and make his regular season debut behind the Aces bench when the team opens the their 2011-2012 title defense at Sullivan Arena against the Las Vegas Wranglers on Friday, October 14. Season tickets and corporate sponsorships are currently available through the Aces office. Please call 907.258.ACES or visit the Aces on Facebook for more information.
Murray, 44, was a third round draft pick of the Washington Capitals in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft, playing 107 combined games in the NHL with the Capitals, Winnipeg Jets, and Phoenix Coyotes, during a 16-season playing career. After retiring following the 2002-2003 season, Murray immediately moved into coaching, becoming Providence's Assistant Coach. He remained there for five seasons working alongside Head Coach, Scott Gordon. When Gordon became the New York Islanders Head Coach in 2008, Murray assumed control of the Bruins. In his first season as a Head Coach, Murray engineered his team to a 43-29-8 record and the AHL's Conference Finals. He finished his three-year Head Coaching tenure in Providence with a 117-103-20 regular season record, and a 9-7 playoff mark. Murray played an instrumental role in the growth of the Boston Bruins organization, as part of their minor-league system. While in Providence, he coached seven different players who played for Boston during their recent Stanley Cup Championship run.
Before entering into coaching, Murray had an illustrious playing career. The Toronto, Ontario native played in 1,205 regular season games garnering 525 points (177g, 348a) and 3,190 PIM. Those totals include 19 points (4g, 15a) and 111 penalty minutes in the NHL for the physical forward. Standing 6'1" and weighing 180 lbs. Murray evolved into one of the most physical players in professional hockey at any level. After beginning his career with one year in the IHL, Murray spent at least part of every subsequent season in the AHL. At the end of his career, Murray closed with a record-breaking AHL resume. Murray currently ranks seventh all-time with 1018 AHL games played, and second all-time with 2,940 penalty minutes. He spent over 500 games with the Springfield Falcons, and still holds team records for the most games played, assists, career PIM, and PIM in a single season. Murray's #23 was retired by the Falcons, making him one of only two players in Falcons history to have his jersey retired - the other being Hall-of-Famer, Eddie Shore. Parks said that Murray's track record made him the right man for the job.
"Coming off of the season we just had, and with three trips to the finals in six seasons, we naturally received a high-number of interested and qualified candidates," Parks said. "But Rob Murray emerged as the top of the class. The mixture of his lengthy experience as a coach and player at consistently high levels of hockey showcases his passion and capability for the game. Rob coaches the way he played - with an edge, and that's what we wanted. He is a fiery competitor who wants to win, and will be given the chance to do exactly that here. Plus, off the ice, he is a tremendous character guy with a terrific family. I know our fans will enjoy getting to know him personally as much as they will watching him behind the bench. The Aces have a tradition of quality, successful coaches, and I am confident Rob will only add to that legacy."
Although the upcoming season will be Murray's first in Alaska, his ties to the Aces organization and personnel run deep from throughout his career. Murray was a former teammate of current Aces veteran Brian Swanson, as well as a former teammate and assistant coach of former Aces Head Coach Brent Thompson, whom he is replacing. Murray also has coached several current and former Aces players including Bryan Miller, Adam Courchaine, John Lammers, Alexandre Imbeault, Derick Martin, Colin Hemingway, and Matt Underhill.
Since the current Aces ownership group took control of the team in 2002, Murray becomes the fifth Aces Head Coach, and the fourth in the ECHL era. Dating back to the franchise's days in the WCHL, Murray is now the 13th all-time Head Coach in Aces history. Murray and his wife Carolyn have four children - Taylor, Zack, Quinn, and Brendan.
The 2011 Kelly Cup Champion Alaska Aces will begin the 2011-2012 season on Friday, October 14 at Sullivan Arena when they host the Las Vegas Wranglers. Season ticket and sponsorship packages are currently available through the Aces office at 15th & Gambell. For more information, please call the Aces at 907.258.ACES or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/alaskaaceshockey.
ECHL Stories from July 13, 2011
- Express partner with Blue Jackets - Chicago Express
- Royals Sign Forward Phil Aucoin - Reading Royals
- Aces Hire Rob Murray As New Head Coach - Alaska Aces
- Pyle Accepts Head Coach Position with AHL Texas - Atlanta Gladiators
- Nelson & Schneekloth Make Up First Part of Eagles' ECHL Roster - Colorado Eagles
- Larocque Kicks Off Jackals' Signings For 2011-2012 - Elmira Jackals
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