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http://www.phantomshockey.comSpotlight on Mark Murphy
by Josiah Green
Mark Murphy is no stranger to hard work. For Murphy, who was the only player on the Phantoms to play in all 80 games last season, hard work is what has sustained him through five years of AHL competition.
The 28-year-old Murphy was originally selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1995 NHL Draft but postponed a career in the pros to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
“I had already signed up for college when I got drafted by the Maple Leafs,” recalled Murphy, who majored in business during his four years of college. “I also really wanted to get a quality education as well as play hockey.
From 1995-99 at RPI, he compiled 105 points (29G, 76A) and played in 138 games.
Murphy made his pro debut in 1999-00, splitting time between the Trenton Titans (ECHL) and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
He also got his first feel of a Phantoms jersey when he suited up for two playoff games at the end of the 1999-2000 campaign.
“I spent half of my first season at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton,” said Murphy. “It was an interesting but fun rivalry between the Phantoms and Wilkes-Barre.”
Murphy went on to play three years with the Portland Pirates, where he put up an impressive 70 points in 76 games during his first season with the Pirates.
Murphy rejoined the Phantoms when he signed as a free agent last summer. He has since taken his game to a new level, becoming an offensive and defensive threat, a slight shift from his days at Portland.
“Playing for the Phantoms was a step up for me when I came out of Portland,” said Murphy. “I put up some good point numbers when I started out at Portland, but I am becoming a better all-around player with the Phantoms.”
Murphy was fourth on the team in scoring with 38 points last season and topped the club with nine points during the playoffs. Murphy seems to be motivated on becoming an overall playing threat.
“I’m just trying to grow as a player and a person and just keep establishing myself as a strong part of this team.”
Murphy is now one of the veteran players on the team going into his sixth professional season. His hope is to share some of his experience with the younger players on the team.
“I just want to be a good leader to some of the younger guys and help them out on and off the ice.”
Murphy says he expects the team to deliver a great season. “I think we’ve got a good bunch of guys this year with a lot of young talent and we have high expectations as a team this year.”
As for Murphy, he plans to have another year of intense defensive play and become a stronger offensive threat. “I definitely plan to put up more points and get more goals this season.”
“He’s a great all-around player and a great asset to the team,” said Phantoms head coach John Stevens. “I look for him to be a good leader for new players this year.”
Monday, September 20, 2004