Wednesday, 04. June 2025 |

Interview with EHC Red Bull München newcomer Ryan Murphy

“Success is at the top of my list”Interview with our newcomer Ryan Murphy// INTERVIEWIn mid-April, defenseman Ryan Murphy moved from Salzburg to Munich as a newly crowned champion. In this interview, the 32-year-old talks about his summer, his playing style, and why he was determined to stay with our organization.

Hi Ryan, where are you right now?

Ryan Murphy: “I'm in Uxbridge, about 40 minutes from Toronto. We moved there five or six years ago. But my family and I grew up in Aurora (editor's note: also near Toronto).”

How's your summer been so far?

Murphy: “It's going pretty well (laughs). I have a few friends here and there are some great golf courses and mountain bike trails. Plus, my little son Mason is always running around. He's also getting a little brother soon, probably in October. We also moved three weeks ago. So there's a lot going on, but it's fun.”

You mentioned golf courses. Are you there often?

Murphy: “Yes, I'm a passionate golfer. I'm just a competitive guy. And golf is a sport where I can compete with someone else. I try to be really good at it. And when I need a few hours to myself, my wife Alisha lets me play in peace.”

But you spent even more time on the ice during your life. And since you were born in Aurora, you surely have a connection to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Murphy: “I'm not a huge fan, but I would choose them, yes. Their former defenseman Bryan McCabe has always been my role model. I liked his style of play.”

You yourself have played 176 NHL games. Can you still remember your first game for the Carolina Hurricanes in February 2013?

Murphy: "I was playing for the Kitchener Rangers in the youth league at the time and was sitting on the bus on the way to a long-distance away game. Then the bus stopped and my coach called me up to the front. He told me that I was flying to Carolina to play my first NHL game against the Winnipeg Jets. And that's what I did. So it was a pretty cool story.“

Your first goal in the NHL around eight months later was just as crazy...

Murphy: ”Indeed, because it was in Toronto of all places! With the Maple Leafs, the team I grew up with. Apart from the moment my son was born, it was one of the best experiences of my life. On top of that, Josh Leivo scored his first NHL goal in that game. He played for Toronto and is still one of my best friends today. Sport sometimes writes crazy stories (laughs).

Let's look at the present and the future. With your move from Salzburg to Munich, you're staying with the Red Bulls organization. Was that a deciding factor for you?

Murphy: "Yes, that played a role for me. I had an incredible time in Salzburg, but it was time for a new challenge. Many teams from all over Europe were interested in me. But I just feel very comfortable being part of the Red Bulls. It's an organization that cares about its players and a place that feels like home. And that's what I've been looking for my entire career. The playing system also suits my style of play perfectly. Our sport is so much more fun when you're successful in a great team. And success is also at the top of my list."

What exactly is your playing style like? How would you describe yourself as a defender?

Murphy: “When I was younger, I was given a label. I was labeled a defender who always took big risks on offense. It took me many years to prove to people that they were wrong. I spent a lot of time learning how to defend and improving my defensive skills. Today, I'm a complete defender.”

So your game has changed over the years.

Murphy: “At some point, I was able to combine both. The work in my own zone and my offensive play have brought me to where I am today. But I'm just as proud of playing shorthanded or blocking shots. I want to contribute to the team's success. At the end of the day, I just love hockey. It's the best game in the world.”

You already know our new coach Oliver David from Salzburg. How would you describe him?

Murphy: "I think he's a very modern coach. He knows a lot about the game and he's extremely human. If you're having a tough day or things are bothering you that could distract you from your job, he brings you back down to earth. He's incredible at that. I'm sure we'll build something great here.“

Do you already know a few other guys on our team? Apart from Philipp Krening and Phillip Sinn, your former teammates from Salzburg.

Murphy: ”There are a few. I played against Chris DeSousa when I was younger. Tobi Rieder was one of my closest friends in Kitchener. Now we're playing together again, which is great. And I was in Grand Rapids with Taro Hirose. It's nice to have him back.“

Finally, what do you already know about your new home?

Murphy: ”So far, I only know what a few people have told me. And they're a little jealous that I'm playing in Munich (laughs). After all, I was at Oktoberfest with Salzburg two years ago. But I haven't seen much else yet, so I'm really excited. I do know that the city is beautiful, though.

And what do you think of the SAP Garden?

Murphy: “It's an incredible stadium. I'm really looking forward to playing in front of thousands of fans in a big arena like in the NHL again.”

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