Catchin' up with... Rob Murphy

Rob Murphy has come into his own as a gifted defenseman. The 30-year-old blueliner has been an All-Star his whole career and is continuing to lead the Guppies this season recording 3 goals and 16 assists in 8 games for Killingworth. The veteran has filled in admirably for the Guppies after their top defensemen were lost do to recent retirements and injuries. The Newington native played forward for the majority of his seasons in Killingworth,  but selflessly stepped onto the Guppies Blue line when the team needed him the most. Before coming to the Guppies. Murphy was a star forward with the CCSU Ice Hockey Blue Devils, including leading the NECHA in scoring during the 1996-1997 season.

Murphy answered questions from Killingworth-guppies.com users on Wednesday, May 10.

Thanks to all those who submitted questions. Below are the submissions that were chosen and Rob's responses.

DAVE from CALGARY asked: What do you think is the biggest difference in the Guppies this year compared to last year?

A: I think all the players have come back with a better attention to the little details that need to be looked after. We can't take things for granted just because we have a lot of talent on the team. Guys are all committed to doing the little things to make us more successful.

PATRICE from LANCASTER, MA asked: Who have you patterned your game after the most?

A: Marc Crayton! haha.....just kidding! I'm not sure I guess I pattern myself after a lot of different players. However, I wish I could pattern my game as a mixture of former teammates Tom Mierkiewicz and Pete Fink. One guy is all about defense and the other doesn't know the meaning of the word.

DAN from PORT WASHINGTON asked: Were you in awe of anybody when you played in your first Guppies game? What was the experience like?

A: I was more in awe of just being out there with the all the guys, not just one or two players, I just wanted to do well. Luckily, I'm good and the guys supported me. You have to remember I joined this team in 1996, Guppie lore wasn't what it is today!

MIKE from EDMONTON asked: How Important is it to have a letter on your jersey?

A: Well, one would think that I'm deserving of at least an "A" on my jersey. However, I think some people in the organization are keeping me down. They keep saying that with Carroll out this season an "A" is coming.  I'll believe it when I see it!

CJ from LONG ISLAND asked: Who would you say is the team to beat is this year?

A: I'd like to say us, however, this is a strong division this season. I think the Fire Ants, Canadiens, and we are the top three. However, the Ball Smashers have been playing well.  I guess I really didn't answer that question.

RIF from TORONTO asked: Rob, Do you feel any less pressure to step up offensively this season now that Pequita and Poulin are back?

A: I am always trying to bring my game to the next level, no matter what the lineup situation is. However, having Tim and Dan back is a plus! Actually, no one on the team expects Pequita, or Kelly for that matter, to play too much defense. Both of those guys are always jumping into the offensive rush. We basically play with 3 forwards and 1 defenseman

STEVEN DE COO from HOOGERHEIDE (NL) asked: In which areas must you improve on for this season?

A: We have to be better in the defensive end. I personally need to stop following Kelly when he jumps up to offensive zone. We tend to sell out Linskey every now and then. Now most people wouldn't care because it's Linskey, but what can I say......I feel bad for the kid!

MATT from BASKING RIDGE asked: Are the defensive pairings set? Wouldn't you like to play with Halle or Pequita?

A: I believe they are set. Unfortunately I'm stuck with BK! I liked to play with Halle because it would allow me to be more offensive. Pequita is like playing like with Kelly. I actually got a chance to play defense with Poulin last week. Yeah, I said Poulin! Tim did a good job back there, but I think he'd lose his mind if he had to play defense every week.

ALEX from KILLINGWORTH asked: Who are the Guppies biggest rival?

A: Wow, I'm not sure we have one! Actually D-5 usually has good games against us. They beat us in Overtime during the Division C Championship last summer so, that adds to the rivalry. However, we also have some history with the Fire Ant's teams.

ALLISON from BOSTON asked: It's been well-chronicled that you have severe allergies. How do you handle the problem?

A: Are you my mom? My allergies are something that I have been dealing with for such a long time, that it is basically second nature to me now.

PATRICIA from BOULDER, CO. asked: What are some fun things you do during the off-season?

A: I work my day job as a teacher during the off season. Then again, as a teacher, I get a lot of time off. So, normally you can find me at Chucky Cheese with the my kids. I love that Pizza!!

KEN from WATERBURY, CT. asked: Do you miss playing at the Waterbury Dek Hockey Center?

A: NO!!!

Thanks for the question guys! As always thanks for the support, I'll see you at the Rink!  #22 - Rob Murphy