Former WCHL'er Cory Murphy is First Falcon Signed for 2005-06
June 13, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno Falcons have signed defenseman Cory Murphy to a contract for the 2005-06 season. Murphy, who spent three seasons in a Falcons sweater from 2000-01 to 2002-03 and was a member of Fresno's 2001-02 Taylor Cup Championship-winning team in the West Coach Hockey League, returns as the team's all-time leader in goals (43) , assists (115) and points (158) by a defenseman. He becomes the first player signed by new head coach and general manager Matt Thomas for next season.
Originally a seventh round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, Murphy spent two full seasons in the ECHL and a year in the Russian Elite League before arriving in Fresno for the 2000-01 campaign. He nearly quadrupled his previous career high by posting 52 points (16g-36a) during his first year as a Falcon before a 53-point effort (10g-43a) in 2001-02 earned him All-WCHL Second Team honors on his way to helping the club to the Taylor Cup title.
Murphy then established a new Falcons team record for most goals by a defenseman when he scored 17 times in 2002-03. He was second in the league in scoring among defensemen (17g-36a-53pts) and garnered a spot on the All-WCHL Team as Fresno came within a seventh game in the Finals of repeating as Taylor Cup Champions. The native of Perth, Ontario, played the past two seasons with Varese HC in Italy, where he accumulated 55 points (20g-35a) in 74 games.
"I'm excited about returning to the Falcons and trying to bring back another championship," said Murphy. "Now that we've started a family, my wife Melissa and I are looking forward to staying in Fresno and making it our home."
"Bringing back such an integral part of Fresno's two runs to the Finals from a couple of years ago is exciting for us," added Thomas. "Not only will Cory provide an offensive spark from the blue line that Falcons fans should remember well, but his veteran presence in the locker room will make him a real leader for our team this coming season."
Last season Falcons assistant captain Jason Weaver was the only remaining member from the club's two straight trips to the Taylor Cup Finals in 2001-02 and 2002-03.
Falcons season tickets are currently available for the 2005-06 ECHL campaign. Both full season packages and 24-game packages include seats to the 2006 Bud Light ECHL All-Star Game and Skills Competition to be held at Save Mart Center on Jan. 24 and 25. For complete ticket information and an arena map of Save Mart Center, please visit the Falcons website at www.fresnofalcons.com/tickets.html. For more information or to order 2005-06 season tickets, fans should contact the Falcons front office at (559) 485-PUCK (7825) or office@fresnofalcons.com.
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