Murphy earns late-summer scholarship

Press Release

Kyle Murphy came to the Vernon Vipers last season looking for a second chance.

Having been used sparingly in two seasons for a strong Notre Dame Fighting Irish squad, the New Jersey native opted to join the two-time national champ Vipers with the aim of getting another NCAA Division I opportunity.

He's achieved that goal now as Providence College has signed him for the coming season. A few schools were in the running but Murphy, who is currently in Boston where he's doing offseason training, is happy with his decision to play for the Friars.

"I've been deciding between a few different options and decided last Thursday (Aug. 11)," said Murphy, who was impressed with the trio of new coaches (head coach Nate Leaman and assistants Ben Barr and Jamie Russell) who were just hired this spring and summer.

"I think the new coaching staff coming in, the three of them have been unbelievable to me," said Murphy. "Coach Leaman's reputation is unbelievable and it's close to home so it was a good fit."

Murphy put up 18 goals and 25 assists with Vernon but solidified his reputation as a dynamite faceoff man who is sound in his own end.

"Kyle was one of the hardest working players Mark (Ferner) and I have coached," said new Vipers head coach Jason Williamson." He displayed every aspect of what it means to be a Vernon Viper."

A chance to prove himself again at the top college level is not lost on the 5-foot-9, 170-pound centre.

"It means a lot; those first two years (at Notre Dame) were tough but a good experience," said Murphy. "I learned so much even though I didn't play a whole lot."

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)