Rob Murray Retires to Become Providence Assistant Coach
Published on August 22, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Springfield, MA â Rob Murray, the Springfield Falcons' all-time leader in games played and second all-time leading scorer, has retired as a player to become assistant coach for the Providence Bruins. Murray served as Falcons' team captain during seven of the franchise's first nine seasons.
Murray returned to the Falcons last season for his third stint with the club. The center played 71 games while collecting 12 points (2g, 10a) and 94 penalty minutes (PIM) in what would be his final campaign as a player. Murray also registered two assists in six playoff games for the Falcons last season.
Murray skated for the Falcons from the club's inaugural season of 1994-95 to 1999. A trade between Springfield's NHL affiliate, the Phoenix Coyotes, and the Edmonton Oilers sent Murray to the Hamilton Bulldogs in exchange for Eric Houde on December 1st, 1999. After beginning the 2000-01 season with the Philadelphia Phantoms, the Falcons re-acquired Murray on February 3rd, 2001. During the 2001-02 campaign, the Toronto native played 80 games for the Saint John Flames before rejoining the Falcons prior to last season.
The 36-year-old concludes his playing career as the Falcons' all-time leader in regular season games played (501), assists (157), PIM (1,529), and playoff games played (40). Murray also ranks second in franchise history in scoring (218 points) and fourth in goals (61). His 373 PIM in 1994-95 is still a single-season Falcons record. In 1997, Murray represented Springfield in the AHL All-Star Classic in Saint John, scoring a goal.
Murray played his 1000th American Hockey League (AHL) game as a Falcon in a 3-2 win over the Hartford Wolf Pack at the Springfield Civic Center on February 28th, 2003. He is one of six players to reach the 1,000-game plateau in the AHL. Murray ranks second all-time in the league with 2,940 PIM during his AHL career.
"I'm excited that Rob has an opportunity as a coach," said Falcons President and General Manager Bruce Landon. "We've been in constant communication this off-season and I'm happy this has worked out for him."
Murray was a third-round selection (61st overall) of the Washington Capitals in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft. After completing his junior career with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Murray was assigned to the International Hockey League's (IHL) Fort Wayne Komets for the 1987-88 season. The forward skated for both the Baltimore Skipjacks of the AHL and the Capitals from 1988-89 to the 1990-91 campaign. Murray was acquired by the Winnipeg Jets in a trade on May 31st, 1991. He played for the Jets and their AHL-affiliate Moncton Hawks until Winnipeg became the parent club of the Falcons in 1994. Murray played 107 NHL games with Washington and the Jets/Coyotes organization during his career, registering 19 points (4g, 15a) and 111 PIM.
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
- Checkers Trainer Teri LaSalle Earns Promotion to AHL - Charlotte Checkers
- 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
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.
