Tuesday, 19. August 2025 |
EHC Red Bull München: “Who are you?” with Ryan Murphy – player profile
The defender's path was virtually mapped out. The reason? Well, Murphy comes from Canada, the motherland of ice hockey. "I've been playing ice hockey for as long as I can remember. For some reason, I always wanted to be an ice hockey player. Now I'm 32 years old and I'm still playing. So I think it was the right choice," says the defenseman, looking back on his early days.
One highlight in Toronto, two highlights with Salzburg
He certainly made the right decision back then! After all, Murphy, who at 1.80 meters is one of the smaller defensemen, made it all the way to the NHL. Between 2013 and 2019, the right-handed shooter played a total of 176 games in the world's best league for the Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild, and New Jersey Devils. During this time, he scored eight goals and 35 assists. He still thinks back fondly on his first goal in a Carolina jersey in October 2013.
“That was in Toronto, where I grew up. About 50 friends and family members were sitting in the stands. We won the game and one of my best friends to this day (Josh Leivo) also scored his first NHL goal. That was definitely a cool moment,” Murphy said.
The family man has been in the spotlight three more times. In 2011, he was voted “Best Defenseman at the U18 World Championship,” and in 2021, he won the “AHL Defenseman of the Year” award while playing for the Henderson Silver Knights. And in 2025, his colleagues even voted him “Player of the Season” in the ICEHL (Austria) after he once again impressed for EC Red Bull Salzburg.
But despite numerous personal moments, two highlights in his career that he achieved as part of a team stand out for him. “There's nothing better than winning. And with Salzburg, I was able to celebrate two championships in the last two years. That was probably one of the best feelings I've ever had.”
Episode 6 – “Who Are You?” with Ryan Murphy
// PORTRAIT
Further development in his own game
Noteworthy: Year after year, our new number 24, who wears the jersey number of his former idol Bryan McCabe (defenseman, Toronto Maple Leafs), usually scores plenty of points. After all, Murphy's strengths lie on the opposing blue line. The playmaker is considered an excellent skater with great vision. And yet he is keen to emphasize that he has developed his game over time. He explains: “I didn't like reading that I was ‘just’ a one-sided offensive defenseman. Descriptions like that drove me to become a more complete defenseman.”
His time in the NHL
His experiences in North America in particular have shaped him and helped him on his way. Especially at the beginning of his NHL career, he always played in young teams. "It was tough. We always had to be able to rely on each other and learn from each other. Of course, the older players gave us tips. But ultimately, it's professional ice hockey. And people expect you to behave professionally, come to the rink every day and perform,“ he recalls. And there was something else he had to learn: ”You think you're one of the most talented guys around. And then you quickly realize that you're not," Murphy admits with a laugh.
Life and suffering in his Canadian homeland
The Toronto Maple Leafs, his favorite NHL team, are undoubtedly very talented. However, the illustrious franchise last won the Stanley Cup in 1967. "All the teams that make the playoffs in the NHL are so good. At the end of the day, it's probably about having the right mindset.
You need the right players. The ones who love to win. And the ones who hate to lose. Hopefully they'll make it next season," Murphy hopes.
He experienced the victory of the Toronto Raptors all the more intensely when they won the NBA championship in 2019, bringing the last major title to the Canadian metropolis to date. “Seeing the city celebrate afterwards was pretty cool,” he recalls. Murphy himself cheered on the basketball players live in the stands during two semifinal games – with success.
However, the passionate golfer was born and raised in Aurora. The city is one of the wealthiest communities in Canada and is located about 40 kilometers from Toronto. “It's a beautiful city. The schools and the community are great. Unfortunately, prices have gone up a bit too much,” Murphy tells us about his hometown. “But I still love coming back. Aurora is a hockey town and I loved growing up there.”
A few years ago, Murphy moved with his wife Alisha to Uxbridge, also nearby. Since early 2024, the couple have been the proud parents of a little boy named Mason. He will even be getting a little brother this fall.
Murphy raves about David
During his time in Salzburg, the 32-year-old not only became a father, but also won two championships. It was a formative chapter in his personal and professional life, one that is inextricably linked to one person: Oliver David, Murphy's former and current head coach. But what exactly sets our coach apart from many others? “I was used to growing up with coaches who could intimidate you. There was always a kind of separation from the players. But with Oliver, it feels like we belong together. You win and lose together,” he describes.
Murphy has identified another advantage that David has over others. “He still wants to learn and improve, and he seeks input from outside sources. He's also not afraid to ask players for their opinions.” Sounds like a productive working relationship.
“I should write a book”
His teammates often ask Murphy for exciting stories, and he has plenty to share.
After all, the former NHL player has experienced a lot in his job. “I think my stories are pretty good,” he emphasizes with a laugh. “And I consider myself lucky to have so many stories. My father always said I should write a book about them. But I think I'll pass on that,” Murphy jokes.
Three Red Bulls for three cases
If he does decide to become an author after his career, Tobias Rieder would probably get his own chapter. The two played together in Kitchener as juniors and became close friends. Their reunion in Munich was all the more joyful. It's no surprise that Murphy would let the Landshut native plan his fictional bachelor party in Las Vegas.
“He played in the NHL and probably visited Las Vegas. So he's bound to have a few good connections there,” Murphy surmises with a smile. He would also entrust two other current teammates, whom he has faced in direct competition, with important tasks. If he were to have a five-course meal with his mother, Chris DeSousa would be invited.
“He seems like someone who could cook a few nice steaks,” Murphy says. And who would be the ideal partner for building a log cabin in the Rocky Mountains with your bare hands? “I would definitely choose Dillon Heatherington!” He would probably be responsible for the rough work, while Murphy would take care of the finer details. Just like on the ice.
Mit Video
Bullstore now official ticket sales outlet at SAP Garden// CURRENT
Mit Video
The new “sheriff” at SAP Garden: Meet Dillon Heatherington// PORTRAIT
Mit Video
Countdown underway: Red Bulls Salute to be “first test”// RED BULLS SALUTE