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04/28/2010
Ryan Murray Turns Heads at World U-18s
Everett Silvertips Press Release
Everett, WA - Is there a more accurate word to describe Ryan Murray's play over the past year than "impressive"? After a breakthrough year in which he earned a top-defensive slotting on the Silvertips' blueline, Murray continued his standout play with a strong showing at the World Under-18 Championships, held in Minsk and Bobruisk, Belarus, from April 13-23. Canada did not medal in the event, participated in large part by players in their draft years; Murray was the lone 16 year old and only WHL-based defenseman selected to the team. Though he did not record a point, Murray finished as a +3 in the tournament and proved to be a pillar of the Canadian defensive efforts. He was one of two Silvertips to take part in the tournament, as goaltender Kent Simpson served as a backup and saw action in two tournament games.
"I was sticking to a bit more of a defense-first philosophy," Murray said. "I played smart defensively, and helped keep the puck out of our net. My defensive partner, Erik Gudbranson, is the top rated defenseman in the draft, so he helped me stay comfortable as well."
Gudbranson, a 6'3, 195 pound defenseman with the Ontario Hockey League's Kingston Frontenacs, recently completed a season with 23 points and 68 penalty minutes in 41 games. He is the #4 overall rated skater for June's NHL Entry Draft, according to NHL Central Scouting.
But it was Murray who may have turned the most heads in the tournament, serving as Canada's youngest player and the only 1993-born skater on the roster, a distinction that carries some significance. Prince George Cougars sniper Brett Connolly played as a 16-year old at the 2009 World Under-18 Championships in Fargo, and now prepares to hear his name called within the first few selections of the 2010 draft as a likely lottery pick. Murray wasn't too caught up in the larger picture, opting to remain focused and enjoy his experience overseas.
"I think it's just good to have that international experience," Murray claimed. "Obviously the U-18s are a big deal. It's disappointing that we didn't get the results that we wanted, but it was still great for all of us to get that international experience. The atmosphere was really exciting - there were a ton of fans there. When we played Belarus, their fans were kind of like the fans we have in Everett - it was really loud, and they were supporting their country. It was really interesting to go overseas to represent Hockey Canada and play against the top players in the world of the '92 and '93 age groups."
One of the most rewarding experiences at the tournament was the camaraderie shared with his teammates. Despite being the youngest player on the team, Murray never had to unload any buses or pack up the equipment - he was treated as an absolute equal.
"There were no rookies on that team," Murray explained. "They treated me as if I was born in 1992. Quinten Howden is a great guy and a great player. He was one of the hardest workers on the team. Brett Connolly was really calm with the puck. I thought he was strong and showed great hands."
Murray, Everetts first round draft pick (ninth overall) in 2008, does not turn 17 until September 17th, meaning he does not become draft-eligible until 2012. As a former team captain at the bantam and midget levels, it will be exciting to watch the talented defenseman continue to refine his skills in a Silvertip uniform (and occasionally a Hockey Canada uniform) for the next several seasons.
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