AHL great Rob Murray retires
Published on August 22, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL) News Release
SPRINGFIELD, MA ... Rob Murray, one of six men in American Hockey League history to skate in at least 1,000 regular-season games, has announced his retirement and has been named the new assistant coach of the AHL's Providence Bruins.
Murray, 36, hangs up his skates having recorded 161 goals and 312 assists in 1,018 career AHL games over 15 seasons with the Baltimore Skipjacks (1988-91), Moncton Hawks (1991-94), Springfield Falcons (1994-2001, 02-03), Hamilton Bulldogs (1999-2000), Philadelphia Phantoms (2000-01) and Saint John Flames (2001-02). He wore the captain's "C" for three AHL clubs over eight different seasons.
Murray was honored by the Falcons organization, the AHL and the home fans at the Springfield Civic Center when he reached the 1,000-game milestone on Feb. 28, 2003.
A Toronto native, Murray was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the third round of the 1985 NHL Entry Draft. His most productive offensive season came in 1993-94, when he recorded 25 goals and 32 assists in 69 games while helping Moncton to the Calder Cup Finals.
In addition to his 1,018 career AHL games, Murray skated in 107 NHL contests with Washington and Winnipeg/Phoenix. Between the AHL and NHL, he appeared in at least 75 games in 11 different seasons, including a remarkable 88 regular-season games between Springfield and Winnipeg in 1994-95.
Murray also ranks second all-time in the AHL with 2,940 penalty minutes, and tied for 16th with 86 career Calder Cup Playoff games played.
"This is a great thrill to me, to begin my coaching career at the AHL level with a great organization like the Bruins," said Murray.
"It's a little funny to start coaching in Providence after playing against the team as a division rival for so many years, but I'm thrilled and excited about this opportunity. I appreciate the Boston and Providence Bruins giving me this chance. I probably could have played again this season, but I felt that I was ready to take the next step into becoming a coach, and things couldn't have worked out better."
Murray joins the P-Bruins' staff under new head coach Scott Gordon. Gordon replaces Mike Sullivan, who earlier this summer was named the new head coach of the NHL's Boston Bruins.
American Hockey League Stories from August 22, 2003
- P-Bruins Set Preseason Schedule - Providence Bruins
- Rob Murray Retires to Become Providence Assistant Coach - Springfield Falcons
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- Barons Announce Affiliations - Cleveland Barons
- Barons Hosting Hockey Fest August 23 - Cleveland Barons
- AHL great Rob Murray retires - AHL
- P-Bruins name Rob Murray Assistant Coach - Providence Bruins
- Brian Chapman and Rick Mrozik Sign with Sabres - Rochester Americans
- Amerks to Host Cleveland in Preseason Game - Rochester Americans
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