Listen to the full interview with 730 CKDM's Darnell Duff:
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When the Dauphin Kings dealt away a few of their veteran blueliners last year, younger players had an opportunity to get more ice time and step up.
One of those players was Aiden Murray. Murray was thrust into action consistently after the trade deadline and quickly made a name for himself after playing his AAA hockey with the Notre Dame Hounds. Murray finished last season with three goals and nine assists in 36 regular season contests, before notching a pair of assists in seven playoff games.
He was relied on in any situation and always came to the rink with his work boots on, ready to help the Kings in any way possible. When his season ended in early April after Dauphin lost in game seven against the Blizzard, Murray immediately turned his focus to this year.
He had a great summer in the gym and skated when he could. Back with the Kings this year, Murray has become a fan favourite.
"It's been a great time in Dauphin, I love being here and playing for the Kings," offered Murray. "I went through some injuries early in the season which was tough, but it's playoff time, and everyone is excited."
Aiden's last game of 2024 was on November 10. He had one assist as Dauphin downed the Selkirk Steelers, 4-1. Murray did not play again until January 4 after suffering an injury that forced him to miss 12 games.
Frustrated with the situation, Murray stayed positive.
"Injuries suck for anyone, it's never fun, but there's nothing you can really do about it, it's part of the game," continued Murray. "I stayed in the gym and in shape while I was out so I could come back ready to go when I could."
When in the lineup, Murray is one of the top defenders in the league. He'll go in the corner, come out with the puck, and quickly move it up the ice. He's also very disciplined with just 30 penalty minutes in 40 games while posting one goal and 11 points.
"The biggest part of my game is moving the puck up the ice quickly and making smart plays," continued Murray. "I know my role and play it to the best of my ability. I'm happy with how the year has gone for the team and personally."
The Kings won 37 games this year and were one of only four teams to lose fewer than 20 games (Portage, Steinbach, and Winkler). Dauphin clinched first place in the West Division last Tuesday when they beat Waywayseecappo. It was Dauphin's first West Division regular season pennant since 2021-22.
"We had a lot of ups and downs last year, we've been more consistent this year in my opinion," said Murray. "We have battled through injuries and stuck with it. Securing first place in our division was awesome, a great achievement."
Dauphin has remained consistent despite missing some key personnel during the second half of the season. Cayden Glover hasn't played since January 31, Madden Murray last played on February 8, Gavin Nemis missed the final four games of the regular season and Havryil Simchuk missed the last nine games of the campaign.
Madden remains day-to-day, however, Nemis, Glover, and Simchuk are projected to return on Friday for game one of the Turnbull Cup playoffs.
"Having them back in terms of their play will be huge," continued Murray. "I think it will also inspire the boys to get fired up, having them back is going to be huge for us."
Dauphin opens the playoffs on Friday when the Waywayseecappo Wolverines come to town. The two teams played twice during the last week of the regular season and will now play in a best-of-seven. It's the first time the two teams have played in a playoff series since 2015, when the Wolverines swept the Kings in the Survivor Series.
Dauphin split their six regular-season meetings with the Wolverines and finished 24 points ahead of them in the standings. There's no doubt that the Kings enter the series as favourites, however, Murray knows they can't them the Wolverines lightly.
"I think it's going to be a good test for us," offered Murray. "We've had a good week of practice. Guys are coming back from injuries and sickness, so we're ready to go."
All year long, the word 'special' has been used to describe Dauphin. From top to bottom, Aiden says this team has been tight since day one and believes that'll be beneficial come Friday.
"It's the best team that I've ever been a part of, we're super tight," said Murray. "We have a ton of offensive firepower and excellent on the back end, with great goaltending. We have a complete team and we'll be ready to go every night."
Eight teams qualified for the Turnbull Cup playoffs. The Dauphin Kings are ranked fourth overall, behind Winkler, Steinbach, and Portage. Murray has helped Dauphin qualify for the big dance in both of his years in the City of Sunshine and as the 19-year-old star says, there's nothing like playoff hockey.
"The regular season is a great time," ended Murray. "With that said, everyone is waiting for the playoffs, this is what you play for. I've been waiting for this moment and I know everyone else on the team is."
You can hear Aiden's full chat with Darnell Duff during the Dauphin Kings Power Play Show on Friday afternoon on 730CKDM at 4 p.m. Then head to Credit Union Place for game one at 7:30 and you can also hear the game with Darnell Duff, starting with the Parkland Source for Sports pregame show at 7:00 p.m.