Bruce Mulherin

Bruce Mulherin (born February 3, 1982 in Red Deer, Alberta) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player, currently playing for Tohoku Free Blades after being released by the Manchester Phoenix due to financial problems. Mulherin began his senior level career icing at NCAA level for the University of Alabama in Huntsville. In his first season at UAH, 2002–03, he featured in 22 games although only managed 3 points and 8 penalty minutes. Mulherin's form would improve greatly in his second year in Alabama though, and in the same number of games he scored 24 points, a ratio greater than a point per game.

Mulherin would play for UAH for two more years, 2004–05 and 2005–06, playing on 64 occasions and totalling 74 points in that time. This excellent points-per-game ratio led to Mulherin's signature being picked up by the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL, generally regarded as the third tier of professional ice hockey in North America. Mulherin featured in 30 games, scoring 11 points. A mid-season move to the Toledo Storm followed, also playing in the ECHL. Mulherin would once again find his scoring touch, totalling 28 points in 36 games. This would help the Storm into the post-season race for the Kelly Cup.

In 2007-08, Mulherin would sign for his third ECHL team, the Las Vegas Wranglers, a team affiliated with the NHL Calgary Flames. He would be given plenty of ice time and repaid the faith shown in him with a return of 35 points in 50 games. Again he would help his team into the post-season and the Wranglers would go on to win the Pacific Division Championship. This success led to Manchester Phoenix head coach Tony Hand successfully seeking Mulherin's signature in the summer of 2008. It was Mulherin's first taste of European hockey, and he adapted quickly scoring 48 points in 55 games despite suffering a knee injury part way through the season. Mulherin's work rate and natural goal-scoring ability lifted the Phoenix into both domestic cup finals as well as the post-season. Despite the on-ice success, financial problems continued and the Phoenix made the decision to play the 2009-10 season in the EPL, limiting the available budget. Consequently much of the senior squad, including Mulherin, was released. He signed with the Tohoku Free Blades of the Asia league.

Career stats

 * Includes league/post season games only, correct up to 04/08/08