Women’s Hockey
Athletes of the Week : Brandon’s Dixon, St. Thomas’ Clarke honoured
U SPORTS sits down with one key athlete, coach, and staff member of each U SPORTS athletic program in our interview series “Getting to know…”
- Name: EmmaRae Murphy
- School: Mount Alison University
- Sport: Hockey
- Position: Defense
- Year of eligibility: Third year
- Program: Bachelor of Science, Major in chemistry
- Hometown: Petitcodiac, N.B.
1. What attracted you to Mount Alison?
From the beginning, what attracted me to Mount Allison was the small community aspect of Sackville, N.B., that I was used to at home, and as soon as I was introduced to the hockey team, I became immediately aware of the close-knit family that they were and I knew it was something that I wanted to be a part of. The high quality of academics offered at Mount Allison was a major piece in my decision to choose Mount A, as I wanted a school that was going to challenge and better me academically as well as athletically. I am certain now, in my third year, that I choose the right school.
2. What’s your favourite memory, and your greatest athletic achievement as a U SPORTS student-athlete?
My favorite memory as a U SPORTS student-athlete was in October, where we were the opposing team to play UNB in their official home opener. This was a big deal, because this is the first season that UNB’s women’s hockey team is back in the AUS. Even from before the game, there was such a great atmosphere in the rink and both teams were excited to play and get off to a good start to our seasons.
The game brought in thousands of fans and the volume in the rink was awesome. We were tied 1-1 for close to two periods. We headed into the second overtime, 3-on-3, where we scored with just over 10 seconds left. Our bench went crazy. It was such a big win for us to show the league that we were ready to compete and the atmosphere in the arena made for a great game.
My greatest achievement as a U PORTS student-athlete was being named Mount Allison Rookie of the Year.
3. Where are you hoping your path will take you after university?
After university, I am hoping my degree in chemistry will take me into the field of forensic science where I am hoping to join the RCMP.
4. Who’s had the greatest influence on your athletic career?
A lot of people have influenced me throughout my hockey career, but I think there are a few people I owe the most to.
One is my uncle Scott who coached me each year throughout minor hockey. He gave me a chance as a girl playing boys hockey and never doubted me. He’s always been my number one fan and without him I wouldn’t be the person, or player I am today.
The second person is defensive coach in Midget AAA, Genvieve David. She had an impressive hockey career as a defender and I looked up to her. She taught me many valuable skills as a player and really gave me the confidence I needed to succeed.
The person I truly thank for my athletic career is my dad, without him I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today. He spent many cold nights and mornings on the pond teaching me how to skate, or out in the driveway helping me with my shot. He was a defenseman himself, and a coach and taught me a lot about the game. He’d be the first to tell me I had a great game but he also knew when I had more to give, and for that I am forever grateful. My dad has always taught me to set goals for myself, and keep reaching for more. He was the one that pushed me to play boys competitive hockey and once I accomplished that he asked, “Why not female AAA,” so then I worked towards that. A major goal I had was also to play AUS hockey, and I made it, and I owe that to my dad.
5. Who is someone in the sports world, past or present, with whom you’d love to have dinner with? Why?
Christine Sinclair. She has been a huge face for female athletics and has such a successful career in soccer – she is a great role model.
6. What is your pre-game ritual? Do you have any superstitions/idiosyncrasies around preparing yourself for a game?
Anyone on my team could tell you I am a pretty superstitious person and I stick to the same pre-game routine each game. A couple of the things I always do is I tie my right skate first, and I always do my pre-game on-ice handshake with my teammate and good pal Rhiannon Ford.
7. What’s your go-to song to get pumped up for practice or a game?
I would have to say my go-to song before a game is Mr. Brightside, but you can’t go wrong with anything Sean Paul either.
8. What’s your favourite social media account to follow?
A couple of my favorite social media accounts to follow are the NHL official Instagram and also Tyler Seguin on Instagram – I'm a big fan.
9. If you could try another sport, what would it be and why?
I would choose surfing, because it’s so cool to watch and you get to be on a beach all the time in the warmth, something totally different from the rink.
10. What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you as an athlete?
When I shot the puck top shelf on my own net in a tie game back in Atom hockey.