06/29/2009 11:13 AM - HUNTSVILLE, AL – Huntsville Havoc owner Keith Jeffries announced today that Randy Murphy has been hired as the team’s new Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations.

“We had several good conversations with Randy before flying him in for a visit” Jeffries said. “After spending several hours with him, it was clear to all of us in the Havoc office that Randy was the right man for the job. His career experiences as player, player assistant, assistant coach, and head coach have prepared him for the work that is required to lead this team for years to come.”
Murphy has spent the past two seasons as the head coach of the New Mexico Scorpions of the Central Hockey League. He has compiled a 61-57-10 record and led the Scorpions to the second round of the CHL playoffs in 2007-08. Murphy served as an assistant coach in New Mexico in 2006-07 before taking over as head coach. He also spent three seasons as a player assistant in the United Hockey League.

“Although the SPHL is considered single “A” hockey, we are all in the position of developing hockey players, even at the NHL level.” Murphy said. “I am looking forward to doing that here with such a great organization.”

Murphy spent 12 years as a player in the AHL, ECHL, UHL, CHL, WPHL and Elite European Leagues. He played in 751 career games, scored 328 goals, and recorded 567 assists. Additionally, he spent two seasons with the Columbus Cottonmouths in 1996-97 and 1997-98, where he recorded back-to-back 100 point seasons.

“Accountability will be the main focus for the players and myself,” Murphy said. “No matter who you are or how many years you have played, a standard will be set and that standard will have to be met by everyone.”

Murphy attended Elmira College in upstate New York, where he played four years of NCAA hockey and received a degree in Sports Psychology. A press conference and meet-the-coach party will be announced in the coming weeks as Coach Murphy arrives in Huntsville. Click H E R E for player and coaching stats.