The late 1990s saw Clarkson Hockey enjoy some of the greatest success in the program’s history, and playing a major role
in the Knights’ achievements was all-star goaltender Dan Murphy. Clarkson’s go-to guy in goal right from the opening night of his freshman campaign, Murphy backboned Mark Morris’ teams from 1994-98 as the Green and Gold established themselves as the top team in the ECAC and one of the elite squads in the NCAA. With the Nanaimo, BC native between the pipes, Clarkson claimed two ECAC regular season titles (1994-95, 1996-97), a pair of second-place showings in the conference standings and made four consecutive showings in the NCAA Tournament.
Murphy, who gained All-America honors as a sophomore and junior as well as numerous ECAC accolades, graduated as the all-time winningest goaltender in ECAC history with an overall record of 85-37-9. Through 135 games, including a stretch of 80 consecutive starts, he posted a .906 save percentage and a 2.68 goals against average, and set Clarkson records for most saves in a season (1,034) and career (3,375).
Q&A
Name: Dan Murphy
Nickname(s) while a Golden Knight: Dano
Years Played/Position: 1994-98/Goalie
Clarkson Major: Business
Why did you decide to choose Clarkson:
Hockey Tradition.
Favorite Clarkson Hockey moment(s):
Beating SLU was always nice, playing in Cheel Arena in front of packed crowds every weekend, and the time Jim Bunstone saved my life during our pregame meal, we went on to beat Harvard that night and I remember I got my 20th win of the season as well.
Most Memorable Clarkson teammate(s):
The dressing room wasn’t the same when JF Houle walked into it, but you are always closest with your classmates.
Favorite Team to gain a victory over:
SLU/ Vermont.
Favorite Arenas to Play in:
I loved Cheel, but on the road there was nothing better than playing in Vermont.
Favorite Class/Professor(s):
Ralph Janaro/ Mark Cornett.
Favorite memories of Potsdam, North Country:
To this day I’d love to have a calzone from Sergi’s, but the people who supported us were second to none.
Where did you live when attending Clarkson:
Reynolds/Woodstock/Townhouses.
What did you do after Clarkson:
Played professionally for 7 years and retired in 2005 due to a back injury.
What are you doing now:
I’m a business development manager at Certified Labs, and coach hockey in Seattle for the Sno-King Hockey Association.
Family:
Wife Dee and Daughter Madaleine.
Current Hometown:
Seattle WA.
Hobbies:
Coaching and playing hockey, I think I’m a goal scorer now! But I mostly teach young players and run a beginners hockey program in Seattle.
Any other interesting things about you, or your family you would like to add:
My daughter Madaleine just started playing hockey this year and I see that Clarkson Women’s Hockey team has been a strong program over the past couple years so I guess you never know maybe one day she could be lucky enough to play hockey at Clarkson as well?
