Interview with SHS Hockey Senior Alternate Captain Danny Murrow

The Panthers spent their long MLK weekend in Columbus competing in the Pioneer Classic where they earned third place! Over the course of four games and three days, the Panthers put 11 pucks in the net against Bishop Watterson, Dublin Jerome, Linsly, and Olentangy. In between games, I sat down with the leading scorer of the Panthers to talk everything hockey. 

Meet #27 Alternate Captain Danny Murrow...

Hockey story:

Danny started playing hockey when he was three years old. His parents took him to a Learn to Skate event, but he was not all that excited. Once he started skating a little bit more, Danny truly fell in love with hockey and never turned back. He has played for the CAHA Junior Cyclones (three years), Indian Hill (one year), and the Tri-State Spartans (four years) before his family moved to Springboro. This is his third year as a Panther. 

Favorite memory with the Panthers:

Danny’s most memorable moments with the Panthers are off the ice. From going to B&B after practices or games, to team dinners and long tournament weekends in hotels, Danny said the best hockey memories come from “building the brotherhood” off the ice.

Hockey’s impact off the ice:

Danny said that hockey has been an instrumental part of his life for as long as he can remember: “It’s pretty much made me who I am since I can’t remember a time when there’s not hockey in my life.” Not only has playing hockey been such a big part of Danny’s life; it has also taught him important life lessons. He told me that playing hockey has taught him to overcome obstacles and that whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you come back stronger. 

What Danny thinks about when taking a face-off:

As a center, Danny squares up with the opposing team right before the puck drops. It appears to happen fast, and fans watching don’t have time to think about it. I asked Danny what exactly goes through his head every time he takes a face-off. In just a few seconds, Danny thinks about the intimidation of the other player, but more importantly, he runs through different scenarios. He’s thinking about where to take the puck or pass the puck if he wins the face-off. Danny also thinks about whether it is more valuable to actively take the puck himself or to block the opposing center from taking the puck. 

Playing on the same team with his brother:

The Murrows are a hockey family. Danny’s two younger brothers both play as well. Johnny joined the Panthers this season as a freshman. I asked Danny what it meant to him to play on not only the same team but the same line as his brother. At the beginning of the season, Danny wasn’t really sure how he felt about playing on the same team as Johnny because that was new for both of them. After the Panthers finally started to find their groove on the ice, Danny noticed that he and Johnny complement each other and work well together on the same line. This brotherly bond is visible off the ice as well. When Johnny was seriously injured in a recent game, Danny was first to help him on the bench, and even after the trainer and medical personnel arrived, Danny never left his brother's side. 

Broken sticks:

Danny holds the team record for breaking sticks this season. In just the past few months, Danny has broken seven sticks!

How Danny keeps the team motivated:

“I love to lead by example...I like to go out there, leave my heart on the ice, work as hard as I can, and set an example that way.” It is evident that Danny gives his all through the very last second of every game. He never gives up, and he wants to encourage his teammates to do the same. With a short bench and everyone using all their energy, it would be easy for the boys to give up sometimes. But they never do. Danny makes it his goal every game to work as hard as he can to keep everyone else working hard and to keep morale high. 

Gameday routines:

Before every game, Danny reads a prayer to himself that he keeps on a little note in his wallet. If he ever has the opportunity during an intermission, he reads it then as well. If you’ve ever walked past the Panthers’ locker room, you’ve likely heard them blasting music before a game. However, Danny’s favorite music to listen to before a game to get in the zone is classical and jazz. Speaking of music, did you know Danny is a self-taught pianist? (And he’s really talented, too!)

Danny’s plans after graduation:

After high school, Danny will embark on his journey to become a surgeon. He has not officially chosen a school, but most likely sees himself studying pre-med/biology at Xavier University or the University of Cincinnati. I asked Danny if he could see himself playing club hockey in college, and he said, “That’s a dream.” He told me that he would absolutely play if he could make a college level team. The pre-med path is not easy, but if he could find a way to continue playing the sport he loves while also studying and preparing for medical school, he would.

Danny’s advice for young hockey players:

Danny advises young hockey players to leave it all on
the ice for the sake of the lasting relationships off the ice. He said, “Learn to treat your team like your family.” Danny emphasized that each and every time you step on the ice, you are out there playing for your team. “Play your all for them...Put them first.” My conversation with Danny really shed light on how irreplaceable and invaluable the family aspect of a team is. He closed with this powerful thought: “The relationships that you make with the guys on the ice, on your team...will stick with you and make a greater impact on your life than many people think.”