The Atlanta Gladiators announced that they have signed forward Blake Murray for the 2024-25 season. Murray hails from Uxbridge, Ontario and is known for his abilities as a center and left wing. He was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 6th round (183rd overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft. Murray signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Hurricanes in May 2021, which came to an end in 2024.
Throughout his career, Murray has showcased his talent by playing for various teams across different leagues. His journey began in the OHL with the Sudbury Wolves, where he quickly made a significant impression. A standout season in 2019-2020 saw Murray deliver an impressive performance, notching 72 points in 63 games. Over his tenure with the Wolves, Murray accumulated a total of 186 games played, during which he recorded 166 points, comprising 86 goals and 80 assists.
Murray’s career has seen him move between the AHL and ECHL, with his most recent performance in the ECHL showcasing his scoring ability and contributing significantly to his teams’ successes. More recently, he has played in the ECHL for teams like the Norfolk Admirals, Florida Everblades, and Allen Americans. During the 2023-24 season, Murray posted 53 points (21g-32a). Murray had a productive stint with the Allen Americans, where he was named ECHL Player of the Week (Dec. 18-23) after tallying an impressive seven points by scoring four goals and providing three assists in three games against the Rapid City Rush with two of those points came as game-winning goals. During his five Kelly Cup Playoff matches with the Allen Americans, he registered three assists.
Blake Murray joins Eric Neiley, Ryan Cranford, Jackson Pierson, and Derek Topatigh as the latest players signed by the Gladiators for the 2024-25 season.
The Gladiators will kick off the 2024-25 season on Saturday, October 19th, at 7 p.m. at Gas South Arena, facing the out-of-division Indy Fuel.
