“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 in a conference call.
“We feel very fortunate to be able to bring Terry back to the Flyers’ organization as head coach of the Phantoms,” GM Paul 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.”
Murray coached the Flyers from 1994-97, compiling a record of 118-64-30 and leading the Orange and Black to the Stanley Cup Final in his final season. He most recently coached the 2012 Stanley Cup-champion Los Angeles Kings, from 2008-09 until his firing in Dec. 2011.
"It’s a hockey team," Murray said. "You’re trying to put together a team that’s going to win. You want to make the playoffs, you want to win the championship. That doesn’t change from a major market out in LA, from Philadelphia, to Adirondack. Once you get in the building, you get in your office, you turn on the video machine, you’re reviewing the game on tape, you’re preparing for your meetings, you’re getting on the ice."
Murray understands the importance of player development at the AHL level.
"You’ve got to take these kids and bring them together to a team as quickly as possible, and help them get to the National Hockey League as players," he said. "That’s the thing I feel I can do a good job with. I feel I build good teams and get the right attitude and right chemistry together, and let them go play the game."
The Phantoms have been searching for a head coach since relieving Joe Paterson of his duties in late-May. Adirondack went 37-35-2 last season and missed the Calder Cup Playoffs.
“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.”
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