It’s hard to focus on the 2022-2023 season when the Clippers are on a path to the league finals but the team is recruiting hard to ensure that the high level of success of the franchise, seen over the last 3 seasons, continues. With that said, we are pleased to announce an elite-level US-born commitment. Mike Murtagh is a 2004-born forward that is 6 feet and 170 pounds. He was born in East Greenbush, New York and has recently played his hockey at the Frederick Gun School, part of the USHS-Prep school program. He is committed to the University of Connecticut for the 2023-2024 season in Division I NCAA hockey.
Mike had a stint with the US development program in 2019-2020. He has played 98 games in the USHS-Prep school program over four seasons scoring 26 goals and adding 33 assists for 59 points. He was very recently drafted in the 6th round, 89th overall by the Sioux City Musketeers.
Colin Birkas, Head Coach of the Clippers remarked, “Mike comes to us highly regarded as an elite level player out of the United States. He has good speed and plays a 200-foot game while contributing offensively. I can see him stepping into a top-six role on our 2022-2023 team and being a two-year player for the Clippers. We’ve worked hard to recruit him and I’m very happy to announce that we were able to sign him over a number of other BCHL teams that were very interested in Mike as a player.
Wes Mussio, owner of the Clippers added, “What is critical in developing a championship level team is to have six elite-level US players and Mike is one of those players that’s going to meet our expectations. We’ve done a fair bit of scouting on him and he definitely has the skillset and skating to make an impact in the BCHL. He chose the BCHL over the USHL which is a feather in our cap for the program.
Mike Murtagh on signing with the Clippers, “I am honored to be picked to be part of the Nanaimo Clippers team. I am really excited to be part of a strong team and further my development as a hockey player. I am looking forward to living in Canada and being part of the Clippers family. Thank you to the ownership and leadership for their commitment in giving me the opportunity to join a successful organization.”
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