International hockey body investigates Murley move to Russia

ZURICH, Switzerland - The International Ice Hockey Federation said Friday it is investigating whether former NHL player Matt Murley broke transfer rules to play in the Russian league.

The 28-year-old Murley signed for Amur Khabarovsk of the Continental Hockey League earlier this month and played his first game last Friday. The IIHF believes the former Pittsburgh Penguins and Phoenix Coyotes winger did not have the required paperwork to play.

"The Ice Hockey Federation of Russia, the hockey club Amur Khabarovsk and the player Matt Murley are alleged to have violated article 1.4 of International Transfer Regulations," the IIHF said in a statement.

The world body has asked for written statements from the three parties within 15 days.

Murley was drafted by the Penguins in 1999 and played parts of the 2003-04 and 2005-06 seasons in the NHL, scoring two goals with six assists. He played three games for the Coyotes last season, getting one assist.

He then signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes and was assigned to the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League.