Defenseman Matt Murphy brings a winning pedigree to Cincinnati after becoming the fourth blueliner to sign with the club.
Besides talent, creating a winning culture is a major ingredient to a team’s success.
The Cincinnati Cyclones have added a player who brings a winning mentality by signing defenseman Matt Murphy ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The free agent becomes the fourth signed blueliner along with Josh Burnside, Landon Cato and Steven MacLean.
The Fredericton, New Brunswick native is fresh off a 2023-24 season where he played overseas. He skated most of the year with the Manchester Storm in the EIHL and recorded 22 points (2-20-22) in 48 games.
"I've heard nothing but great things about Cincinnati from Justin Vaive when I played in Fort Wayne with him", said Murphy. "I reached out to Vaiver and told him I was making the transition back to North America and was curious if there was any interest from Cincinnati."
That curiosity was rewarded. The 29-year-old Murphy is entering his fifth year as a pro and has seen time with both the Iowa Heartlanders and Fort Wayne Komets in the ECHL’s Central Division. He’s also suited up for 29 AHL contests on loans with the Abbotsford Canucks, Belleville Senators and Providence Bruins.
Murphy has won at almost every stop on his hockey journey. He boasts a Memorial Cup championship with the Halifax Mooseheads, a USports championship with the University of New Brunswick and most recently a Kelly Cup title with the Fort Wayne Komets along with Cyclones’ teammate Justin Vaive.
Before making the jump to the pro level, the lefty shooter played four seasons with the University of New Brunswick in USports and five QMJHL years between Val-d’Or, Halifax, Quebec and Saint John.
"I've been on both ends,” Murphy said. “. I've been super fortunate to win at nearly every level I've played at. You talk about memories and obviously when I think of my hockey career, all those championships are by far the top ones. Winning as a team after going through so much hard work and sacrifices."
The Cyclones are certainly glad to have a player like Murphy, and will benefit greatly from his experience, leadership and winning mentality.