Kingston Frontenacs Game Day January 17, 2020

BILLY KIMMERLY
The 2019-20 season has seen Murray take on an
even larger role transitioning from a first year player
himself, to now helping guide new rookies with
some of the already-garnered experience he’s built
up earning the “A” on his jersey. While still a young
player himself, he is a quiet leader in the room
treating his teammates, coaches, and game with
respect. He is a hockey-sponge soaking up lessons
from current captain Jakob Brahaney saying: “I’m
always watching how he plays, his work ethic and
it’s something I want to lead by as well.” He has
happily taken advantage of being tutored by former
pro defenceman and current head coach Kurtis
Foster. And his coach has seen him step up: “He’s
led by example every day and leads the right way.”
Murray also credits his minor hockey coach Gord
Hynes (former pro and Olympic Silver Medalist) for
helping his career. Hynes described Murray as “...
a strong character, a really good person and he’s a
super athlete in many ways.”
Turning 18-years-old on April 11, the 2020 NHL
draft-eligible Murray has surpassed point totals
from last year and continually works on getting
more shots through from the point holding a 1.61
shots-on-goal per game average (an increase of
over a half a shot a game). Six times he has fired
four or more shots in a game.
Twice this season he’s had a three-game point
streak and was pivotal in a multi-point game on Nov
24 against Mississauga. His goal in the game made
OHL highlight reels as he deked through three
defenders before putting a high backhand in the
net. Having registered three assists in the opening
14 games with a -15 rating, he has two goals and
eight points while being a plus one since Nov 1
and has steadily improved his defensive play while
continually showing off his puck-moving ability.
Says coach Foster: “He’s really been coming on the
last couple months playing much more assertive
hockey.”
He appeared in his 100th game on Jan 10
at home versus Owen Sound and has been on
the NHL Central Scouting List all season joining
teammates Martin Chromiak and Zayde Wisdom
on the latest list. KF
OFFICIAL GAME DAY MAGAZINE, VOLUME 47, ISSUE 19
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