Listed at 6’5” Brett Murray is even taller on skates. A regular in the Amerks lineup since the start of the season, the 21-year-old forward is intent on using his big frame to his benefit. 

“That's just kind of been a thing at every level I've been at. Coaches and player development coaches have always wanted me to use my size. Obviously I have it. Why not use it to an advantage,” Murray said. “I think I've started to grow as a player into understanding my role at the professional level and what's going to keep me here and what's going to move me to the next level."

Playing a more physical game will eventually lead to altercations with opposing players.  

"Being a guy that size and that physical, he's going to finish a check and he's going to get challenged at some point,” said Amerks forward Tyler Randell. “It's nice to have an idea of what to do. I've always working with those guys, the young guys coming up who are more likely to fight."

Murray is spending extra time after practice with Randell to work on his physicality.  

Amerks head coach Chris Taylor is taking note to Murray’s work rate.  

“He's trying to put every little tool in his tool box that he can. That only helps him and his career and it's good to see,” Taylor said. “He's progressing again it's his first year coming out of the USHL. It's a big step and his improvement has been really good." 

The Amerks are home Wednesday night against Utica.