The Nottingham Panthers completed their defensive corps ahead of the upcoming Elite League season on Friday [18 August], adding Myles McGurty to their roster on a one-year contract.
The American is the latest player to join Jonathan Paredes’ new-look blueline, with Victor Björkung and Jake Ryczek also completing transfers to the Motorpoint Arena this summer.
“Myles is the prototypical two-way defenceman,” said Parades of McGurty.
“He moves very well and is extremely smart defensively. We felt for the last defenceman we wanted someone solid that can move the puck really well and is extremely strong defensively.
“Most importantly, he’s a defenceman that is reliable on the ice. He will fit in well on our roster and we’re excited to have him in Nottingham.”
The 29-year-old arrives in the Elite League with a wealth of experience in North America, amassing more than 200 appearances in the ECHL.
Myles McGurty, now of the Nottingham Panthers (Image: Worcester Railers)
McGurty, who turned professional after playing five seasons of collegiate hockey in Canada with Dalhousie University, has split his senior career between the Orlando Solar Bears, Rapid City Rush, and Worcester Railers, totalling 59 points (five goals, 54 assists).
He also spent a short stint, comprising just five games, in the Hungarian Erste Liga.
“After having conversations with both Omar [Pacha] and Jonathan, it seemed like a good fit for both sides,” added the New Jersey-born defender.
“I am really looking forward to it. Nottingham seems like a great place with an awesome set-up. Everything I hear about the league is that it’s growing. Jonathan and Omar know what they want and they know what their goal is and that’s exciting.”
Analysis: Myles McGurty adds experience to Nottingham Panthers’ defence
Myles McGurty is a solid addition for the Nottingham Panthers, who were in desperate need of an experienced right-handed defenceman before he put pen to paper in the Midlands.
The 6-foot-1 blueliner arrives in the Elite League after a solid season with the Worcester Railers, registering 24 points (two goals, 22 assists) in 63 appearances.
Throughout his time in the ECHL, he proved himself to be a competent defender with minimal desire to make offensive plays.
He is “two-way” – in the words of head coach Jonathan Parades – in the sense that he covers plenty of ice, defends smartly, and isn’t a complete non-factor in the final third.
McGurty will slide into the top-four and play important minutes for the Panthers as they seek to bounce back from a disappointing first season with Omar Pacha in the boardroom.
In other words, he is a smart – if not spectacular – acquisition for Nottingham.
“Most importantly, he’s a defenceman that is reliable on the ice. He will fit in well on our roster and we’re excited to have him in Nottingham.”
