Aiden Murray Commits To Niagara Purple Eagles

STORY via Darnell Duff | 730 CKDM

DAUPHIN, MB - He joined the team after playing with the Notre Dame U18 AAA Hounds.

He was a part of the team's epic seven-game series against the Northern Manitoba Blizzard two seasons ago. The series went seven games. It included five overtimes in game six and another three in game seven.

He was with the team last year as they went on a great journey. The journey ended in game seven against the Blizzard in the league final. He's back this year and is thrilled to be a part of the team's Revenge Tour.

Aiden Murray has loved being a Dauphin King. In his third season with the team, Murray serves as an assistant captain. Following Tuesday's defeat against the Swan Valley Stampeders, Murray and the Kings are only two points ahead of Neepawa for second in the MGEU West Division.

It hasn't been all rainbows and sunshine as of late, but the team has 23 wins and is gearing up for what's to come.

"We've definitely been struggling as of late. I fully believe as a group we can turn things around and get back on track," said Murray. "In terms of my third year, every year has been great. I love the fans, the rink, and the organization. I'm thrilled to be here for a third year."

Murray has set career-highs in two categories this year. He's played 41 games. That's one more than last year. He's scored two goals and 18 assists. His 20 points smashed his previous career-high of 12 points he posted two seasons ago.

Aiden has two multi-point games, and from November 15 to 29, he had points in five straight games.

"I'm definitely happy with how I've been playing. I'm playing with a lot of confidence," added Murray. "Getting some time on the power play as well. I need to stay consistent. I'll do whatever it takes to help this team win games."

They were there loud and proud in last year's MJHL final, and they haven't missed any steps along the way. Aiden's family has put thousands of kilometres on their vehicle to watch him live.

"It's huge. I really appreciate having them in the stands," commented Murray. "They're my biggest fans. It's really nice to see them after the games, and have them support me."

Murray and the team make the trip through Riding Mountain National Park on Friday to play the Virden Oil Capitals. It's the fourth of six meetings between the two clubs. As of Wednesday afternoon, Dauphin is seven points behind Virden for first place in the West.

Dauphin has yet to beat Virden this year. On Friday, Murray and the crew are looking to change that.

"I think a lot of the boys are starting to play with a chip on their shoulders," said Murray. "We're really having to work for everything we get. Our first three games haven't gone our way, so we definitely owe them one. It's our turn to show them what we're made of."

The Kings then head to Manitoba's capital on Saturday to play the Monarchs before returning home to host Northern Manitoba next Tuesday.

While Murray is completely locked in to end his final junior season, he is looking forward to the future.

He's set to reunite with CG 71 at Niagara University next season. A Division 1 American Collegiate Hockey Association team, Murray signed on the dotted line and will join the Purple Eagles next season.

"The coach reached out, and we got things in motion," said Murray. "I decided it's a great place for me to be. It's a great school, program, and the future is looking very bright for them. I'm very excited about this."

After a season in which he was on pace for 50 goals before an upper-body injury, Glover has picked up right where he left off. He's tied for 10th in team scoring with 12 points. He's scored five goals.

The Purple Eagles are in third place in the Independent Division with a record of 19-5.

He's locked in with the Kings. Next year, he's excited to lock in with Cayden Glover and the Purple Eagles.

"Yeah, absolutely. I'm great buddies with Cayden," commented Murray. "I'm really excited to be on the same team as him for the next few years."

You can hear Aiden's full chat with Darnell Duff on the Dauphin Kings Power Play Show. It'll air after the 4:00 p.m. news, weather, business, and sports on Friday.

Get To Know Aiden:

What are some of your hobbies?  I love to golf and go to the gym. I play video games in my spare time.

How is the golf game?  It's not too bad. I wish I could have played more last summer, but I was dealing with some injuries. I've been spending some time at Caddie's Golf Simulator in Dauphin and working on the game for the summer.

What's your favourite video game?  I've been playing a lot of GTA lately. Minecraft is definitely a classic.

If you weren't playing hockey, what would you be doing?  I would definitely say going to school. Not too sure where. I always thought about the University of Calgary, the University of Saskatchewan, or the University of Manitoba.

Are you looking forward to being a student-athlete next year?  Yeah, absolutely. School has always been a priority for me. My education means a ton to me. Going to Notre Dame was the first piece of the puzzle. Being at Niagara will allow me to build on my education, which is great.

If you could go to any rink in the MJHL and earn two points, where would it be?  Virden, without a doubt.

Why?  We always seem to have exciting games against them, and they're a divisional rival. Definitely always a great feeling to win in Virden.

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be, and why?  I'd say steak, fries, and Caesar salad.

Murray says his favourite hockey memory was last year's run to the Turnbull Cup final for the Kings. While it resulted in a heartbreaking defeat, it was a series that won't be forgotten.

What's your favourite family memory?  Always having my family there for me. Through all the highs and lows. I love having them there for me, it means everything.