December 18, 2025
GMHL Alum Troy Murray Makes AHL Debut
From GMHL Blue Lines to the AHL: Murray’s Road to the Springfield Thunderbirds
The Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League (GMHL) is proud to recognize a significant milestone for one of its alumni, as defenseman Troy Murray has made his American Hockey League (AHL) debut with the Springfield Thunderbirds, the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s St. Louis Blues. Murray appeared on a Professional Tryout (PTO) loan, suiting up in Springfield’s 3–1 road victory over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, marking the culmination of a long and determined journey through junior and professional hockey.
A GMHL Foundation
Before embarking on his professional career, Murray’s development was significantly shaped by his time in the GMHL, where he established himself as a high-impact, two-way defenseman. Over four GMHL seasons, Murray appeared in 95 regular-season games, recording 27 goals and 53 assists for 80 points, while adding 246 penalty minutes—a testament to both his offensive ability and physical presence.
His most notable GMHL seasons came with the North York Renegades, where he blossomed into a leader and difference-maker. During the 2016–17 season, Murray posted 21 points in 27 games, followed by a standout 2017–18 campaign in which he recorded 28 points in 28 games from the back end. He also made valuable playoff contributions, continuing to elevate his game when it mattered most.
Murray later added to his GMHL résumé with the Temiscaming Titans, where he continued to produce offensively and play meaningful minutes in key situations. The league provided Murray with the opportunity to grow, take on responsibility, and prepare for the demands of the professional ranks.
Professional Journey and Persistence
Since turning pro, Murray has built an extensive résumé across multiple leagues, including the SPHL, FPHL, and ECHL, earning a reputation as a dependable, physical defenseman willing to do the hard work required to stay in the lineup. During the 2024–25 season, he split time between the Athens Rock Lobsters (FPHL) and the South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL) before beginning the 2025–26 season with the Allen Americans (ECHL).
His call-up to Springfield marks the next step in a career defined by perseverance, adaptability, and steady growth—qualities first nurtured during his junior days in the GMHL.
GMHL Pride
Troy Murray’s AHL debut serves as another example of the GMHL’s role in developing players and preparing them for the professional game. His journey from junior hockey to the AHL highlights the league’s commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for athletes to refine their skills, mature as competitors, and pursue their hockey ambitions.
The GMHL congratulates Troy Murray on this well-earned milestone and looks forward to following his continued success at the professional level.