Chapter 21: Madden Murray
Madden Murray played two regular-season games with the Dauphin Kings in the 2022-23 season.
He played the entire season with the Parkland U18 Rangers. He scored 17 goals and had 34 points. Three years later, Madden has played 118 regular-season games with the Kings and 10 more in the playoffs.
The hometown star has averaged more than half a point per game with 32 goals and 74 points. When Madden looks at his time with the Kings, he cherishes every moment.
"I think about the times I had in the dressing room," said Murray. "That's what I cherish most, being with the boys. I'm going to miss it a lot when it's over."
Eight more regular-season games. Then the Turnbull Cup playoffs. Murray has one more final push before his days as a junior are over. He's not taking this time lightly and is pushing harder than ever.
"Giving it my all every day, I only have three more home games in my regular-season career with this organization," added Murray. "I want to make sure that I can say I went out giving it everything I have."
Murray grew up inside Credit Union Place. While playing with Dauphin Minor and eventually the Rangers program, he was the Kings' biggest fan. He always dreamt of being a King. He worked tirelessly to achieve his goals.
There was a lot of sweat, some tears, and memories along the way that he'll never forget. He wears the crest with pride and is proud of his accomplishments. While he admits he's struggled with consistency this year, Murray is turning up the heat at the right time.
After posting five points in the team's first two games of 2026, Murray was held off the scoresheet in his next 10 games. Over the past seven games, he has seven points. He had one goal and one assist in the team's win on Tuesday.
"Being on the penalty kill helps with intensity," commented Murray. "I'm just going out, trying to simplify my game and doing all the small things right."
Dauphin won their 27th game of the season on Tuesday when they scored seven times. They now have 170 goals on the season. The Kings are in second place in the MGEU West Division as of posting, and their magic number to clinch a playoff spot is two.
"We went through a bit of a rough patch, but I think we're starting to figure things out," continued Murray. "We're starting to score goals, which was our biggest problem. I think over the next little bit with how things are going, we're going to go on a nice little run."
Madden is sixth in team scoring with 10 goals and 31 points. He's four goals away from a career high. He scored 13 goals last year.
"I think I've brought a lot of intensity on the ice, and I think I kept the room light off the ice," said Murray. "I try to make everyone feel comfortable and lead by example."
Murray and the Kings return to the friendly confines of Credit Union Place on Saturday. The Virden Oil Capitals come to town. It's been a struggle for Dauphin against Virden this year. The Oil Capitals have won all four games.
With that said, the Kings are gearing up for the most important time of the season. Fresh off a seven-goal performance, they're ready to battle against one of the league's best teams.
"We're starting to score, which has been our biggest problem," said Murray. "As long as we can stay out of the box and stick with our game, I don't think we'll have a problem at all."
Murray credits his teammates for going to the net more often.
You can hear Madden's full chat with Darnell Duff during the Dauphin Kings Power Play Show. It runs after the 4:00 p.m. news, weather, business, and sports on Friday.
Get To Know Murray:
If you weren't playing hockey, what would you be doing? Playing golf every day.
How is the golf game? It's getting a lot better. Certainly a ton of improvement from summer.
What are your future plans? I'm going to pursue a degree in business or finance. That's what my dad did. Going to work with him as a young kid, I've been around it a lot, and have taken an interest in it.
If you could win a game in any MJHL rink, where would it be, and why? Probably in Steinbach. They're always near the top, so it feels great to win there.
What's your favourite childhood memory? Going to Disneyland when I was 12.
What's your favourite moment as a King? The very first game that I played. I got called up and played with Havryil Simchuk, which was very special.
Simchuk, who became a fan favourite during his time in Dauphin, left the team before the Christmas break and joined the Cowichan Valley Capitals. Murray considers Havryil one of his best friends and loved playing with him. He was sad to see him go, but understood it was a great opportunity for the Ukrainian Sensation.