A second chance at playing Division 1 hockey was all Ian Murphy needed to secure a college commitment. Then a senior at Dexter, he chose the Division 3 route by initially committing to Williams College out of the NESCAC. But the Braintree, Mass., native opted to give junior hockey a chance. He really wanted to...
A second chance at playing Division 1 hockey was all Ian Murphy needed to secure a college commitment.
Then a senior at Dexter, he chose the Division 3 route by initially committing to Williams College out of the NESCAC. But the Braintree, Mass., native opted to give junior hockey a chance. He really wanted to push himself.
Murphy was drafted by the Tri-City Storm in the USHL Phase II Draft this past May and went out to Kearney, Neb., making the team. He impressed college coaches with his stellar play at the USHL Fall Classic, including a highlight-reel goal that he batted in from midair.
On Thursday, Murphy committed to Division 1 program Princeton University. He also received significant interest from schools in Hockey East and Atlantic Hockey, plus others from ECAC Hockey.
“Princeton is a perfect fit for me," said Murphy, who played at BC High before transferring to Dexter. "It’s the best school in the country, as well as an unreal hockey program."
Murphy has two goals in five USHL games while adjusting to the top Junior ‘A’ league in North America. His skating and speed have always put him on the radar of Division 1 programs, but his game has continued to mature over the past few years.
“I would describe myself as a fast, skilled, playmaking forward,” Murphy said. “There was definitely an adjustment playing in the USHL this year, but I think prep hockey helped me a lot. I think I’m in a really great place in Tri-City and couldn’t be happier with my decision to play here.”
Murphy will join several former prep players at Princeton when he arrives at the Ivy League school next fall.
Sophomore goaltender Ryan Ferland (Franklin, Mass.) played at St. Mark’s and freshman forward Christian O’Neill (Westwood, Mass.) played at Belmont Hill. Former Rivers goaltender Aidan Porter (Boston, Mass.) is expected to matriculate next fall after spending this season with the Vernon Vipers in the BCHL.
