ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) - Elmira's new hockey team at First Arena, the Elmira Aviators in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), have announced their first Head Coach in franchise history.

Cody Murphy will lead the program for the 2024-2025 season.

Murphy played junior hockey in the USHL for 3 seasons, then he competed in for Miami University from 2011-2015 where he finished his senior season with a NCHC playoff championship. After retiring from playing, Murphy was the Head Coach for the Elmira Jr. Enforcers and the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights. Cody boasted a combined record of 77-22-3 and led both teams to Nationals. He is currently a Hockey Director for a travel/youth club in Chicago.

The team released the following statement from Murphy on Monday evening.

"My family and I are extremely excited to accept this opportunity and to work alongside a dedicated staff. We have experience building first-year organizations and I'm looking forward to leaving our mark. I have had my former team play out of First Arena, and I understand it is a privilege to play there. The environment at First Arena is as electric as I've ever seen and I know our players will be fired up to be there. I thank Ray Welsh and his staff for their support. Go Aviators!"

The Elmira Aviators are expected to begin their inaugural season this September.

A full story on the new team and league coming to Elmira's First Arena can be viewed here.