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Express Grant Murphy's Trade Wish
OWATONNA - In response to a surprise request by its leading scorer last season, the Southern Minnesota Express today traded Owatonna native Sean Murphy to the Waterloo (Iowa) Blackhawks of the United States Hockey League. In return, Southern Minnesota receives a substantial transfer fee and future considerations.
"Sean indicated to us after the Showcase that he wanted to play one season away from home so that he would be better prepared for college," said Express Coach and General Manager Pat Cullen. "As sad as we are to lose him, I can certainly understand his request. Hopefully the fans in Owatonna will understand, as well. He has been a tremendous asset to our program."
Murphy said the decision was motivated by the desire to prove himself in another league. "I'm pretty excited about it," he said. "I think it will be a good change for me, moving away from home. I'm just going with my heart. I can't say enough about the Express organization and everything they have done for me. I have a lot of respect for Coach Cullen and I can't thank him enough."
Murphy was the top returning scorer in the NAHL this season. He had 33 goals and 67 points for the Express, leading the team to the Central Division regular season and playoff championships. A graduate of Owatonna youth hockey and Owatonna High School and a lock to earn a roster spot with a major college hockey program next season, Murphy will be remembered as much for his contributions in the community as his spectacular play. The Express are expected to receive a significant player or players within the next few weeks as a result of this deal.
Murphy leaves Southern Minnesota having scored 42 goals and 88 points in 75 regular season and playoff games. In Waterloo, he will play for Owatonna native Shane Fukushima, who was recently hired by the Blackhawks as an assistant coach.
"Last year was the greatest year of my life and I stewed about this all summer," Murphy said. "It was a hard decision to make. The fans here have been so awesome. All of the kids in youth hockey have been great. Everything the Express have done has been a class act."
OWATONNA - In response to a surprise request by its leading scorer last season, the Southern Minnesota Express today traded Owatonna native Sean Murphy to the Waterloo (Iowa) Blackhawks of the United States Hockey League. In return, Southern Minnesota receives a substantial transfer fee and future considerations.
"Sean indicated to us after the Showcase that he wanted to play one season away from home so that he would be better prepared for college," said Express Coach and General Manager Pat Cullen. "As sad as we are to lose him, I can certainly understand his request. Hopefully the fans in Owatonna will understand, as well. He has been a tremendous asset to our program."
Murphy said the decision was motivated by the desire to prove himself in another league. "I'm pretty excited about it," he said. "I think it will be a good change for me, moving away from home. I'm just going with my heart. I can't say enough about the Express organization and everything they have done for me. I have a lot of respect for Coach Cullen and I can't thank him enough."
Murphy was the top returning scorer in the NAHL this season. He had 33 goals and 67 points for the Express, leading the team to the Central Division regular season and playoff championships. A graduate of Owatonna youth hockey and Owatonna High School and a lock to earn a roster spot with a major college hockey program next season, Murphy will be remembered as much for his contributions in the community as his spectacular play. The Express are expected to receive a significant player or players within the next few weeks as a result of this deal.
Murphy leaves Southern Minnesota having scored 42 goals and 88 points in 75 regular season and playoff games. In Waterloo, he will play for Owatonna native Shane Fukushima, who was recently hired by the Blackhawks as an assistant coach.
"Last year was the greatest year of my life and I stewed about this all summer," Murphy said. "It was a hard decision to make. The fans here have been so awesome. All of the kids in youth hockey have been great. Everything the Express have done has been a class act."