by Madisen Krapf
For Matt Murray, hockey is more than a sport- it’s a way of life and, as a native
Canadian, an almost nonnegotiable. He began his hockey journey at the age of three. By the time he was five, he received his first set of goalie pads and set the stage for a career defined by passion, perseverance and a lifelong dream of reaching the NHL.
This season, Murray has been selected, alongside Vinnie Hinostroza, to represent the Admirals at the 2025 AHL All-Star Game. He noted that the Admirals leadership and his mental resiliency gave him the edge this season to take on the honor.
“There’s a lot of things that started in training camp with the goalie staff here, we made a few tweaks that really helped my game out” Murray said. “And I think a stronger mental approach to the game: going day by day, not getting caught up in other things going on, either at the rink or outside the rink.”
This is Murray’s first season with the Admirals. In his 18 games with the team, he has posted 505 saves, allowing an average of 2.46 goals per game. He spent the past three seasons with a division rival, the Texas Stars.
Reflecting on his journey, Murray emphasized that his success would never have reached this level if he hadn’t had the key figures in his life behind him every step of the way.
“The biggest keys are my family’s support” Murray said. “And I’ve had some really great coaches in the past that have been great, both pushing me and being great role models and mentors.”
That support allowed him to reach his greatest achievement to date: his first NHL game.
“It’s just so special because it’s something that I’ve worked towards my whole life” Murray said. “To get an opportunity to play is a lifelong dream come true, the realization that I’m capable of being there.”
Playing goalie is a unique position as there is only one on the ice tasked with stopping attempts from five skaters. Murray notes that though pressure comes into play, he has never backed down from a high-intensity environment.
“I’ve been in probably almost every situation you can think of” Murray said. “You learn how to handle things. Maturing and growth help with that along the way too.”
Looking forward, Murray’s vision for the future both on and off the ice are crystal clear.
“I want to get back into the NHL and find a way to stay there” Murray said. “Outside of hockey, I just want to continue to be a really good person give my family something to be proud of”
As he prepares to represent the Admirals at this year’s All-Star Game, Murray remains focused on his ambition to grow both as a player, a representative of his team, and a person, too.
