Rob Murray listened to the message left on his cellphone Monday — David Andrews, the long-time president of the American Hockey League, was checking in.
Murray, the Alaska Aces head coach, played most of his 16 pro seasons on the circuit one rung below the NHL, and coached in the AHL for seven seasons, so he promptly returned Andrews' call.
As Murray tells it, the men chatted about the usual stuff — Alaska, moose, family — before Andrews casually relayed big news: Murray is headed to the AHL Hall of Fame.
"He just dropped a bomb," Murray said. "I said, 'Honestly?' And he goes, 'Yeah, this is real.' I was taken to tears, to be honest with you. It's pretty special."
Murray, 49, will be inducted as part of the four-man Class of 2017, the AHL announced Thursday. The class, which also includes players Billy Dea and Bryan Helmer, and executive Doug Yingst, will be inducted Jan. 30 as part of the All-Star Game festivities in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Murray played 15 seasons in the AHL and was the long-time captain of the Springfield Falcons, who retired his No. 23 jersey. He also captained the Moncton Hawks, Hamilton Bulldogs and Philadelphia Phantoms.
"I was lucky enough to play in the AHL," Murray said. "I held it dear to my heart, and it's something I've taken great pride in."
Murray also served as head coach of the AHL's Providence Bruins for three seasons. He started his coaching career with four seasons as a Providence assistant coach following his retirement as a player in 2003.
Murray also played in the NHL, with stints for the Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets and Phoenix Coyotes.
[Check out The American Hockey League's news release about Hall of Fame, Class of 2017]
[Here's the path of Rob Murray's playing and coaching career]
The bulk of his career was played in the AHL, where his 1,018 regular-season games played ranks No. 7 all-time. He earned 161-312–473 scoring totals as a checking center who was not a gentle soul — Murray's 2,940 penalty minutes rank No. 2 all-time in the AHL.
Murray captained Team Canada in the 1997 AHL All-Star Game and scored the game-tying goal with less than five minutes left in regulation. His shot from behind the net banked in off a defenseman's skate, he recalled — "Typical goal by me," Murray said with a laugh. Team Canada lost 3-2 in a shootout.
Murray's best season in the AHL came in 1993-94 with Moncton. He delivered 25-32–57 totals in 69 games and captained the Hawks to the Calder Cup Finals, where they fell to the Portland Pirates in six games.
Murray is entering his sixth season as coach of the Aces. He guided the club to the ECHL's Kelly Cup in 2014.