Ryan Murphy represents Team OHL in 4-0 win over Russia
At 5-foot-11 and 176-pounds, Rangers’ defenseman Ryan Murphy appears small on the blue line compared to his teammates. It has been this way in Kitchener the past two seasons, and similarly in London Thursday night when he represented Team OHL in the 2010 SUBWAY® Super Series.
But don’t let his size fool you.
The first round OHL draft pick plays a game much bigger than his physical size would suggest.
Murphy was a key defensive player and strong power-play contributor in Team OHL’s 4-0 feat over Team Russia at the John Labatt Center on Remembrance Day. The win serves as the first in the tournament for the CHL, following the pair of losses the QMJHL recorded.
“I wasn’t sure of the amount of ice time I’d get being one of the younger guys on the team,” the 17-year old said. “But I got a good amount out there and I thought I did pretty well.”
The Canada-Russia Super Series serves as a precursor to the World Junior Championships, and gives coaches, scouts, and staff a chance to evaluate the Team Canada hopefuls one last time. On last year’s silver medal winning squad 21 of 22 members played in this tournament.
The regional OHL all-star squad in London was represented by the top players in Ontario. The tempo of the game was in the OHL’s favour with final shots on net 50-27 in their favour.
Team Russia had four current OHL players on their roster – goaltender Igor Bobkov and forward Vladamir Namestnikov of the London Knights, forward Nail Yakupor from the Sarnia Sting, and Guelph Storm defenseman Andrey Pedan.
“I was a little nervous at first,” Murphy confessed. “All of the guys are bigger and older out there, but it was fun.”
Jeff Skinner was ‘the small guy’ in last year’s Super Series, and he ended up going 7th overall in last year’s NHL Draft and currently ranks among the top 20 scorers in the National League.
“I lack in size, but I think I’m pretty good on my feet,” Murphy explained.
The smooth skating defenseman made a strong case for himself against the Russian squad, and hopes to be able to represent his country at the World Juniors this year in Buffalo, New York.
“I would’ve liked to get some points on the power play,” said Murphy who is currently the top-scoring defenseman in the league. “But overall I’m pretty happy.”
On the blue line, Murphy was paired with long-time friend Scott Harrington of the London Knights. Usually honing number 24 on his jersey, he was reduced to wearing number 2 for the game with team captain Calvin de Haan wearing 24.
Kingston Frontenac’s defenseman Erik Gudbranson was named Team OHL Player of the Game, while Igor Bobkov earned the honours for Team Russia.
Murphy is eligible for the 2010-2011 Team Canada World Junior squad, and the 2011 NHL Draft.
