Personal note: I've known Murph for 37 years now starting with his days playing for the AHL Richmond Robins in 1975 and there is not a better hockey man around. An All-Star blueliner in the AHL (and a very solid one in the NHL too), even though he was not still the coach of the Stanley Cup winning Kings when they hoisted the Cup in LA a few weeks ago, I doubt the low scoring Kings would have come close to winning the trophy without the solid defensive play he instilled in them during his three-and-a-half years as their coach through last December.
This is at least the fifth time that Murph has joined the Flyers organization as a player (twice), coach, scout, or manager since 1975, and there is a very good reason the club keeps bringing him back. The young Flyer prospects that will play for him in the AHL this year will learn mountains about what it takes to be a winner from Murph during his time with them. But don't expect him to be there forever as there is no doubt in my mind that he will be back in the NHL again -- perhaps even before the year is out -- if the right offer comes along, and I am sure that there will be offers with as many as a quarter to a third of NHL teams changing coaches on average each season.
Bravo Homer for bringing Murph back into the fold. He is always welcome to be sure!
Philadelphia Flyers News Release, June 29, 2012
The Philadelphia Flyers announced today that they have named Terry Murray the head coach of the Adirondack Phantoms, according to general manager Paul Holmgren.
“We feel very fortunate to be able to bring Terry back to the Flyers organization as head coach of the Phantoms,” Holmgren said. “Terry brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, is an excellent teacher and a strong believer in the development process of young players.”
“I really appreciate the opportunity to come back to the Flyers organization and I’m really looking forward to the challenge that’s out there of coaching the Phantoms,” Murray said. “The youth playing down in the American Hockey League is a real important part of the organization. I’m looking forward to the challenge of getting back into the playoffs and helping these young players develop and become NHL players as quickly as possible.”
Terry Murry as a California Golden Seal in 1972 and today.
Murray, 61, returns to the Flyers organization for his third tour of duty as a coach. He most recently worked in the Los Angeles Kings organization, where he was the head coach from the start of the 2008-09 season through December 2011. Prior to joining the Kings, Murray was an assistant coach for four seasons from 2003-2008, working first under Ken Hitchcock and later under John Stevens.
Murray was the head coach of the Flyers for three seasons from 1994 through 1997, leading the Flyers to the 1997 Stanley Cup Final. He posted a record of 118-64-30 in 212 games behind the bench in Philadelphia.
In addition to his time with the Kings and Flyers, Murray has also served as the head coach of the Florida Panthers (1998-2001) and the Washington Capitals (1989-1994). He has coached 1,012 NHL games during his career, posting a record of 499-383-89-41 for a points percentage of .557. He has led his club to a playoff appearance in 10 of his 15 seasons as an NHL head coach.
Murray began his coaching career in 1983 as an assistant with the Capitals. After five seasons in that role, he earned his first head coaching job with Washington’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Baltimore Skipjacks. He coached the club for 125 games over parts of two seasons from 1988-1990 before being promoted to the Capitals head job halfway through the 1989-90 season.
As a player, Murray appeared in 302 NHL games over parts of eight seasons from 1972 to 1982. He played 115 games for the Flyers and also saw action with the California Golden Seals, Detroit Red Wings, and the Capitals. He also recorded 196 points in 363 AHL games during his playing career.
PS: Another release just arrived from the Flyers announcing that Ian Laperriere has been named Director of Player Development. Bravo Homer!
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