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AHL Utica Comets

Comet Tales: Terry Murray

February 28, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release


Nearly 45 years in pro hockey and Adirondack Phantoms coach Terry Murray is still having a blast.

Murray is a hockey- lifer and proud of it. Spending 13 seasons in the Flyers organization (nine as a head coach and an assistant coach, and four as a player), the last two as the Head Coach of the Adirondack Phantoms, you have one very dedicated professional.

Back in December 2011 Murray was fired by the Los Angeles Kings, after a four-game losing streak that dropped the team into last in NHL scoring. Several months later, the Kings claimed ownership to the Stanley Cup. With 499 NHL coaching victories to his resume, and four seasons at the Staples Center, Murray gladly returned to his hockey roots.

"I got a call from Paul Holmgren (Flyers general manager) asking me if I would come back," Murray recounts. "I love the Flyers owner (Ed Snider), and the organization's culture of wanting to win the Cup every year. It was a no-brainer."

Taking over the reins of the Phantoms in Glens Falls, NY last season, his first in the AHL since the 1989-90 season as coach of the Baltimore Skipjacks, Murray tells of a seamless transition. Although his official title reads - Head Coach, Murray, 63, fancies his role more of a teacher to the kids on Adirondack's roster. With 24 regular season games left to play, the Shawville, Quebec native has hopes of leading the Phantoms into the Calder Cup playoffs.

"The fans have been absolutely terrific here (in Glens Falls). You really want to get into the playoffs for them. This is just a great town," says Murray, who played in 302 NHL games.

With all his hockey heritage on the NHL level, Murray sounds enthused, still, to have an important place in the overall development of young prospects. During our telephone conversation on Wednesday, Murray states that his job keeps him younger than what his birth certificate reads. Being around players hungry and eager to learn, and get better at their skills is what keeps Murray returning to the Civic Center, 53 miles north of Albany.

It is clear, when recalling additional names, places, and teams from his pro career that began with the AHL Providence Reds in 1970, Murray finds his way back to his association with the Flyers. "My time in Philadelphia has been very special. As a player, I joined the Flyers after they won consecutive Stanley Cups. I coached them for three seasons. The Flyers have the top hockey fans in the world," Murray explains.

Although he is part of the hockey fraternity, Terry is as much a fan of the game as those who buy tickets to watch teams he has coached. Being Canadian, just as millions of his fellow countrymen did beginning a couple weeks back, Murray followed the Olympics. With gold being captured in Sochi, Russia in men's and women's hockey by Team Canada, the Phantoms coach tells of doing all he could to keep up with the action.

"Sure, I followed it (Olympic hockey),"Murray said. "I watched every game. I would be in my office (Civic Center) at 7am, drinking coffee, and catching up with as many games as I could. We would record them, and later watch them on computer. The Olympics give hockey worldwide exposure. You have the best players for your country at a level of play that is the best. You can't buy that attention."

As a teacher and grand ambassador for hockey, Murray sounds pleased to educate others of what is taking place in California. "Youth hockey in (California) is phenomenal. The state is third in providing players who participate in juniors. There is so much great potential in spreading interest in the game there."

Perhaps the enjoyment in hockey still experienced by Murray is a direct result of his upbringing. There were 10 children (five boys and five girls) in the Murray household in Shawville - population 1,800, estimated by Terry. Being the youngest boy, and seventh child, Murray learned early on what dedication and sacrifice is. His dad would leave on Sunday for his job in Ottawa from Shawville (one hour drive), and return on Friday.

"There were a lot of years that mom was responsible for raising us kids. Dad passed in '04 at 97-years old, and mom was 93-years old when she passed during this past training camp," Murray remembers.

Another person who Murray genuinely offers a glowing review of is Comets President Robert Esche. During three of his four seasons as an assistant coach in Philly, Murray had an advantage point on the bench to watch Esche guard Flyers nets. "He (Esche) was extremely talented as a player. Compared to someone playing today, Robert reminds me of Jonathan Quick. He had strong legs, and was amazing going post to post," the coach tells. "I remember him leading us to winning a series against the Devils, something we hadn't done in years. Robert was as talented as any goalie."

When speaking with Terry Murray, the stories flow endlessly about hockey, any level, coast to coast. His life is a book begging to be written. The first chapter could begin in The AUD on Friday, when Adirondack's bus rolls into Utica, with Terry Murray arriving with his pupils.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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