The win, Tulsa’s 21st of the season, marked career coaching win number 400 for Murray. The Toronto native is 52-41-18 as bench boss of the Oilers. He took over the Oilers franchise on June 7, 2017 following a six-year stint with the Alaska Aces. His Aces team saw action in the Kelly Cup Playoffs three times, and claimed the Kelly Cup as ECHL champions in 2013-14.
Murray seemed to be the logical choice for Tulsa, as they searched for a replacement for the ECHL’s all time winningest head coach Jason Christie, who left the Oilers after posting a 64-67-13 record through two seasons. As luck would have it for Tulsa, the Aces franchise ceased operations in April, 2017, opening the door for Murray to take the reins. Since becoming a head coach in the ECHL, Murray has posted 283 wins while securing a winning record in six of seven seasons.
Tulsa Oilers Head Coach Rob Murray claimed career coaching win number 400 Saturday night in a 5-1 win over Rapid City / Photo by Les Stockton (PHN)
Murray is in his 16th year as a coach following a 19-year playing career, mostly in the AHL and NHL. The 1985 third round draft pick of the Washington Capitals moved into the coaching ranks as an assistant with the AHL Providence Bruins in 2003. He was promoted to head coach after five years as an assistant. He posted a record of 117-103-20 and one playoff appearance in three seasons as the Bruins Head Coach.
Murray has put in countless hours with his current team, even battling through a health scare in Quad City last season to improve the team. He has this year’s squad on pace to possibly enjoy its best season since joining the ECHL in the 2014-15 season. If the team continues to work hard and win games, Murray will add several more wins this season and lead the team into the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the first time in four seasons.
Next up for Murray and the Oilers is an important three-game series at Utah beginning on Wednesday night. Tulsa (21-12-4-2) is currently tied with Utah (22-9-3-1) in second place in the Mountain Division, just one point behind Idaho (23-11-1-2).
The Oilers return to the BOK Center to open a five-game home stand on January 25.
Contact the Writer: John.Hall@prohockeynews.com
Contact the Photographer: Les.Stockton@prohockeynews.com
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