Garth Murray

Infobox Ice Hockey Player
team = Phoenix Coyotes
league = NHL
position = Centre
shoots = Left
former_teams = Montreal Canadiens
New York Rangers
Florida Panthers
height_ft = 6
height_in = 2
weight_lb = 225
nickname = Horse
nationality = CAN
birth_date = Birth date and age|1982|9|17|mf=y
birth_place = Regina, SK, CAN
draft = 79th overall
draft_year = 2001
draft_team = New York Rangers
career_start = 2004

Garth Murray (born September 17, 1982, in Regina, Saskatchewan) is a Canadian ice hockey forward who currently plays in the National Hockey League for the Phoenix Coyotes. Previously, he played for the Florida Panthers, New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens before signing a one-year contract in 2008.

Playing career

Before being drafted, Murray played hockey in the WHL, for the Regina Pats. He was never known as a scorer (peaking at 33 goals, 63 points), but made a name for himself for his hard work and willingness to stand up for his teammates, demonstrated by three 150 PIM-exceeding seasons. The New York Rangers took a chance on him, drafting him in the 3rd round, 79th overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

He was a part of team Canada's silver medal team at the 2002 World Junior Hockey Championships.

He played for the New York Rangers' AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, and was briefly called up for a 20-game stint, where he scored one goal and recorded 24 PIMs. At the start of the 2005–2006 season, he was traded by the Rangers to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for left wing Marcel Hossa.

He began the 2005–2006 regular season playing in the AHL for the Hamilton Bulldogs. He played 26 games, scoring a total of one goal and one assist while racking up 46 PIMs. His perseverance eventually convinced Habs GM Bob Gainey to call Murray up to fill in for injuries, and he would stay there for the rest of the season. He scored only five goals and six points in his 36 games as a Hab, along with 44 PIMs, but impressed the team and fans by his tireless work ethic and tough-as-nails style of play. Many fans believe his success caused Niklas Sundström to be removed from the Canadiens' future plans, taking his spot on the fourth line alongide Steve Bégin and Radek Bonk. Murray began the 2006–2007 season on the Canadiens' starting line-up but eventually lost his spot to the likes of Maxim Lapierre. On November 12, 2007, Murray was placed on waivers by the Canadiens and was claimed by the Florida Panthers. On July 18, 2008, Murray was signed to a one-year contract by the Phoenix Coyotes.

External links

*