ECHL: Blake Murray Named Player of the Week (December 9-15)

Blake Murray of the Atlanta Gladiators has been named the Inglasco ECHL Player of the Week for December 9-15. This marks the second time in his career that he has received this honor. Previously, he was recognized for his performance last season while playing for the Allen Americans, where he scored four goals and added three assists for a total of seven points in three games (December 18-23, 2023).

During the recent week, Murray had an impressive performance, scoring four goals and providing two assists, which brought his total to six points across three exciting games. The 23-year-old forward showcased his talent with a standout display on Wednesday, where he not only scored a vital goal but also contributed two assists in a thrilling 4-3 victory against South Carolina. His ability to elevate the team’s performance was evident in that game, as he played an important role in securing the win.

Although he didn’t score on Friday during the 3-0 victory against Jacksonville, he delivered an outstanding performance on Saturday, netting his first career hat trick in an exhilarating 5-3 triumph over Greenville. This achievement not only showcased his scoring potential but also underscored his knack for making a significant impact during pivotal moments. Overall, it was a week of performances that paves the way for an exciting future for Murray. So far, Murray has accumulated 13 points (6g, 7a) in 19 games with the Gladiators this season.

Selected 183rd overall, in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, by the Carolina Hurricanes, Murray made his professional debut with the Norfolk Admirals during the 2021-22 season. In 64 games, Murray registered 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) before getting reassigned to the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves where he has recorded seven points (2g, 5 a) in 20 AHL games.

Blake Murray’s remarkable performance and commitment to the sport consistently establish him as a standout player in the league and for the Atlanta Gladiators. As Coach Derek Nesbitt noted, “Blake is a big, young center, who can skate well and has a great skill set. Playing against him his rookie year in 2021-22, he always stood out to me as a dangerous offensive player” (Nesbitt, July 23, 2024).

In recognition of Murray’s achievements, Inglasco, the exclusive puck supplier of the ECHL, will donate a case of pucks to an Atlanta youth hockey organization in his name. This gesture not only celebrates Murray’s success but also supports the development of future hockey talents in the community. Since the start of its sponsorship in 2000-01, Inglasco has donated over 51,000 pucks to youth hockey organizations in ECHL cities.