NEXT HOME GAME: Tickets for our Elite League fixture on Saturday 30th September 2023 are available online HERE, by calling 0161-926-8782 or in person at the Planet Ice Box Office! Doors open 6PM for a 7PM start. 

Manchester Storm are delighted to confirm the signing of Matt Murphy, most recently of Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia).

The hugely experienced and successful blueliner bolsters the defensive ranks further after the recent addition of former NHLer Joe Morrow.

The 28-year-old represented Val-d’Or Foreurs, Halifax Mooseheads, Quebec Remparts & Saint John Sea Dogs over 321 QMJHL appearances. During this five year spell, Murphy had 34 goals and 132 assists; furthermore, the Canadian would get his first taste of success by lifting the Memorial Cup with Halifax.

Head Coach Matt Ginn commented; “I’m excited to add Matt to our group. He is a big, mobile defenceman that will help us at both ends of the ice. Matt has good offensive ability, which will help our power play as well as being tough to play against defensively. He’s a well liked teammate and I expect him to fit in and contribute right away for us.”

A move to the University of New Brunswick (USports), allowed Murphy to continue his studies and further develop his game before transitioning into the professional ranks. The blueliner had a hugely successful tenure in New Brunswick after being named as an All-Star Rookie in 2016-17. The same year the university won the USports cup crown.

From 2017-19, New Brunswick won back-to-back league titles, in which Murphy played a significant role. The defender was named twice as an All-Star within the USports division and by 2020 he was evidently ready to turn professional. In 116 USports matches, Murphy had 63 points (19G 44A).

His professional berth would be with Hungarian side, DVTK Jegesmedvék, before returning to North America to sign with Fort Wayne Komets. This decision would prove a wise one, as Murphy formed part of the Kelly Cup winning roster for the Komets By 2022-23, Murphy has started to establish himself within the league and was rightly given All-Stars honours when with Iowa Heartlanders.

New signing Matt Murphy commented; “I’m super excited to be here in Manchester. I have a couple good friends that have played here for a while and have told me nothing but incredible things about the city, fans, staff and everything in between. I really look forward to contributing and helping the team every single night. Can’t wait to get started.“

Everyone within our franchise is thrilled to secure his service, after several suitors within the EIHL were vying for his signature. Matt brings a wealth of experience to the group and we can’t wait to see him pull on a Manchester Storm jersey alongside his new teammates.

NEXT HOME GAME: Tickets for our Elite League fixture on Saturday 30th September 2023 are available online HERE, by calling 0161-926-8782 or in person at the Planet Ice Box Office! Doors open 6PM for a 7PM start.