Mike Murphy Named OHL Goaltender of the Year
Published on April 27, 2009 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release
Belleville Bulls netminder Mike Murphy was been named the OHL Goaltender of the Year for a second consecutive season. It marks the first time in since the honour was introduced in 1988 that a goaltender has won the award in back to back seasons.
The award concludes a record setting season for Murphy. The Inverary, Ontario native finished the season with a 40-9-2-2 record along with 2.08 goals against average, .941 save percentage and five shutouts. Murphy led the league in both GAA and SV% for a second straight season while setting numerous franchise records in the process of helping lead the Bulls to a third consecutive East Division Championship.
Murphy broke his own franchise records from the 2007-2008 season for most wins in a season along with best GAA, and SV%. He also set new club records for career regular season and playoff victories, shutouts in a single season and a career along with best career GAA and SV%. Murphy was named OHL Goaltender of the Month three times during the 2008-2009 season and also participated in the ADT Canada Russia Challenge and the 2009 OHL All-Star Classic.
"Being named OHL Goaltender of the Year for a second consecutive season is a tremendous accomplishment for Mike" commented Bulls General Manager and Head Coach George Burnett. "Mike bettered all of his statistics this season on a less experienced team and that is a testament to his desire and commitment to continually improve his game" added Burnett.
The OHL Goaltender of the Year is awarded to the league's most outstanding goaltender as selected by OHL coaches and general managers. Teams were not permitted to vote for a goaltender from their own hockey club. Goaltenders received five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote and one point for a third place vote.
Murphy received 81 points in the voting process, followed by Thomas McCollum of the Brampton Battalion who received 44 points. Edward Pasquale of the Saginaw Spirit finished third with 19 points.
Murphy will be presented with the award at the 2008-09 OHL Awards Ceremony taking place on Wednesday June 3, 2009, at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
While Murphy is the first Bull to win an OHL Award this season, several other individuals have been recognized. Cory Tanaka finished third in voting for the William Hanley Trophy as the OHL's Most Sportsmanlike Player. George Burnett finished second in voting for OHL Coach of the Year and P.K. Subban was also the runner up in voting for the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL's Most Outstanding Defenceman.
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