Something to prove
Undrafted Logan Kelly-Murphy getting his chance to play in the QMJHL with Cape Breton Eagles
SYDNEY, N.S. — Growing up on his family’s potato farm, Logan Kelly-Murphy knows all too well the importance of hard work.
Along with his contributions to the farm, the 18-year-old watched his family put in countless hours to keep things moving smoothly.
When the China Point native began playing hockey, he transferred his work ethic from the farm to the ice with the goal of helping his team succeed.
“I always put in my best effort on the ice and never gave up,” said Kelly-Murphy. “I’ve always had a good work ethic and I think I show that on the ice.”
Kelly-Murphy is playing with the Cape Breton Eagles this season, but his journey to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) wasn’t as easy as some players.
The defenceman played his youth hockey in the Pownal Minor Hockey Association, before joining the Eastern Express bantams and the Charlottetown Bulk Carriers Pride major midgets.
In his rookie campaign with the Pride, Kelly-Murphy recorded three assists but didn’t hear his name called during the 2017 QMJHL draft.
“I was disappointed with not getting picked, but I just kept working hard and hoped to be drafted the next year,” said Kelly-Murphy.
Kelly-Murphy didn’t get selected at the 2018 QMJHL draft but went in the second round to the Maritime Junior Hockey League’s Campbellton Tigers.
“Going into my second year and later Tigers training camp, it was always in the back of my mind that I had something to prove,” said Kelly-Murphy.
“I always knew I wanted to prove people wrong, and despite not being drafted, I’ve finally reached one of my goals of playing major junior.”
In his only season in Campbellton,
N.B., the defensive defenceman recorded eight assists and 37 penalty minutes in 45 regular season games.
Kelly-Murphy received a phone call in June from Eagles’ Maritimes head scout Jonathan Murphy, a Charlottetown native, inviting him to attend the team’s training camp.
“I was pretty surprised with the call,” said Kelly-Murphy, who at the time of the call was working on the farm. “I had hoped for a call, but I wasn’t expecting it in June, but it all worked out.”
Kelly-Murphy had a strong showing at camp and impressed head coach Jake Grimes and the coaching staff to earn a spot on the team’s roster.
Kelly-Murphy credits his time in Campbellton for helping him be prepared to make the move to major junior hockey.
“It was the bridge between junior A and major junior,” said Kelly-Murphy.
The blue-liner grew up watching the P.E.I. Rocket and Charlottetown Islanders and said his first QMJHL game in Charlottetown on Dec. 14 was exciting.
A loud applause erupted from the stands near the Eagles net when his name was announced as part of the starting lineup. Kelly-Murphy, who estimated his family took up half of a section, said he heard the applause and was appreciative of the support.
“I did hear them when they called out my name,” he said. "I had to try to keep my calm on the ice, but internally I felt pretty excited."
Kelly-Murphy said he isn’t taking his time with the Eagles for granted.
“I’m always trying to improve and that will never stop,” said Kelly-Murphy.
“I know I have to continue to work hard and do the little things right – it will be the key to my success.”