Brown Bears' Murphy commits to Utica
The Kenai River Brown Bears have announced that forward Bryan Murphy has committed to Division III Utica College (ECAC West) for next season.
“We’re very happy for Bryan and his family. He’s going to play at great college with a solid hockey program,” said Brown Bears coach-GM Mike Flanagan. “He has worked hard for this opportunity and is very deserving. Bryan has represented our program in the community with great class and character.”
This season, the 20-year-old Murphy has four goals for 12 points after 38 games.
"I’m very happy and excited to be moving on to play for a program like Utica College,” said Murphy. “I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity by Coach Flanagan and Coach (Lou) Fritz to play in Kenai River, where my decision to play for a staff that works so hard for their players was one of the best of my hockey career.”
At Utica, Murphy will play for coach Gary Heenan.
"We have been tracking Bryan for a few years now,” said Heenan. “We were immediately attracted to his work ethic. Bryan is a complete hockey player; he backchecks, finishes his checks and puts a lot of pucks on the net. We look forward to having Bryan in a Pioneer uniform next year."