Northern Star: Bauer Murphy
Grand Rapids senior named team captain
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The Grand Rapids boys’ hockey team is undergoing some changes with Grant Clafton as their new head coach. One thing that hasn’t changed: Bauer Murphy imposing his will on the defensive side of the puck.
The Thunderhawks’ season got off to an electric start in their home-opening win against Hibbing-Chisholm. “That was really awesome,” recalls Murphy. “It was just really great…Packed house, the crowd was just going crazy, and it was really nice to get the win that night.”
Murphy scored the Thunderhawks’ first goal of the season that night. It was also his first game wearing the C-patch as a team captain. “I’m really, really thankful and grateful to wear it.” says Murphy, now a senior with Grand Rapids. “I love to lead the team. I think it’s just a really great opportunity to take the boys as far as we can go. The captain has always got to doing their part, always trying to lead the team, get the boys pumped up before the game, and if we’re in a tough situation in a game, always got to bring the boys up and get them going.”
As a defenseman, Murphy isn’t always going to be lighting up the stat sheet. However, he knows his role on the ice is vital to his team’s success. “I’m a really strong defenseman. I play defense first and I try to generate some offense off that. I try and really just get the boys going and make a strong play and get the puck up the ice.”
“Bauer’s a physical specimen, you know?” Says Clafton, who was hired in his new position in October. “(Bauer)’s a big kid that can fire the puck, and he’s (a) kid that cares. He has goals and aspirations, and I think that he understands that the better our team does, the more his goals will come through.”
Grand Rapids is a city that lives and breathes hockey. In short, it’s an environment that’s perfect for Murphy’s personality. “I’ve loved hockey ever since I was like two years old,” smiled Murphy. “Every time I would go out on the ice, I would just talk to myself. It just kind of gives me a sense of peace, I’m out just doing my own thing, and practicing, it feels great.”
“The fans are always pumped up to come to the games, they always love the whole environment. It’s really great for the whole team.” He’s also been getting used to being recognized by fans in his own community. “You always get that one person that comes up to you. I’ll be like wearing a Grand Rapids sweatshirt and a hat and they’ll be like, ‘Hey, are you Bauer Murphy?’ and I’ll say, ‘oh yeah, that’s me.'”
Murphy isn’t sure what his plans are following graduation, but he’s hoping to sign with a junior hockey team and continue his playing career.
