Hard Hits: Murphy's Conditioning

Smiling Irish Eyes

By David Droschak

As a teammate of Jeff Skinner in junior hockey two seasons ago, there was an obvious connection when the Carolina Hurricanes drafted Ryan Murphy with the 12^th overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft in late June.

Murphy was in town this week for conditioning camp. At first glance, the defenseman is a swift skater (which is his reputation), appears creative with the puck (good hockey sense is always a positive in developing young blue-liners) and he’s very small.

How small? Well, Murphy is listed at 5-foot-11 and 176 pounds. That may be a bit generous, but remember he’s still young and growing (the Canes hope).

Here are a few items fans might find interesting about newcomer Ryan Murphy:

Murphy’s dad may have been more excited than his son to be picked by Carolina. Why? Murphy’s father is an avid golfer and is well aware of Pinehurst Resort. Murphy does play and says he’s not very good. Well, he’s being a bit modest. When asked what his best-ever score was, he sheepishly said 93. That’s not too bad for a teen-ager who hasn’t played much golf. Murphy also loves basketball -- another good connection to the Tar Heel state.

Most are impressed with Carolina’s array of coaches and management who were “star” players in their day. Count Murphy among those as he skated on the ice with the likes of Ron Francis, Rod Brind’Amour, Glen Wesley (all of whom have had their jerseys retired by the Canes) and USA Hockey Hall of Famer Tom Barrasso. “I’m a little nervous; I don’t know what to say to them sometimes. They communicate with me, so that settles me down and brings me into my comfort zone. You have to remember they’ve all been through this so they can relate to what we’re doing.” 

Murphy received his fair share of handshakes on draft day and something else – strength coach Pete Friesen’s workout manual. “They handed it to me … and it’s pretty thick,” Murphy said with a laugh. Murphy had been working with two different trainers over the last 2 1/2 years, and while on the small side for a defenseman, is solid. 

Murphy is the tallest member of his family, so the growth potential may not be there. However, Murphy is well prepared to field the questions thrown his way about his lack of size. “Every team needs an offensive defenseman and there have been so many defensemen like me who have been successful in the NHL. Duncan Keith broke into the NHL at 150 pounds and look at him now; he has won a Norris Trophy and the Stanley Cup, so he’s doing pretty good for himself. If they can do it I don’t see why I can’t.” Murphy’s father stands at 5-foot-10, his mother 5-6 and brother 5-8. “There are no monsters in my family.” 

Murphy might have a difficult time adjusting to the BBQ and French fries mentality of North Carolina. Murphy’s favorite food is … mashed potatoes. And not just any mashed potatoes, his Grandma Theresa Murphy’s recipe. “I’m an Irish kid so my grandma always makes them for me.” So what’s in the secret Murphy mashed potato recipe? “She loads them with butter, salt and pepper.” Don’t tell Pete Friesen.   

His quote about Skinner: “He’s a fierce competitor. He hates coming in second. He’s pretty much a perfect kid.”