Hockey Player Spotlight: Brett Murray

Audio/Story posted January 13, 2017 in CommRadio, Sports by Paddy Cotter

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Coach Guy Gadowsky knew that his team would only benefit from the acquisition of a new player. They did just that by adding forward Brett Murray.

The Buffalo Sabres drafted Murray following his impressive career in the minor leagues. Murray scored 14 goals for the Carleton Place Canadians and helped the team reach the CCHL playoffs.

He then switched to the USHL to play for the Youngstown Phantoms, where he tallied 20 points (7 goals,13 assists) before deciding to join the Nittany Lions.

It will be interesting to see how Murray can fit into the already potent Lions’ offense.

Murray may not see the ice in his first few games in the blue and white. The team has demonstrated great chemistry and a new addition can throw that off. However, Gadowsky believes the Canadian’s natural talent has accelerated Murray’s assimilation into the offense.

“At 6-foot-5, Brett is an imposing power forward,” Gadowsky said. “His ability to both think the game and get up and down the ice will allow him to make a smooth transition to college hockey.”

The contrast in the size of the players that Gadowsky has put on the ice is notable. Nikita Pavlychev and Zach Saar tower over defenders while the smaller Denis Smirnov and David Goodwin are overlooked.

Murray will function as a larger option for the Lions, adding more versatility to the team’s offensive attack.

The Lions will be looking to capitalize on a four-game home stretch, starting with Michigan State this Friday. Murray may see some playing time, which could reveal the Lions’ next big star.

 

Paddy Cotter is a freshman majoring in Broadcast Journalism. To contact him, email fpc5043@psu.edu.