After deciding against his original choice of Merrimack University, Wade Murphy has settled into a new future home, one rich with tradition and history.
The Victoria native on Wednesday officially committed to the University of North Dakota which has produced the likes of current NHLers Jonathan
Toews, J.P. Parise and T.J. Oshie and former NHLers like Ed Belfour, Dennis Hextall, Craig Ludwig, James Patrick, Dave Tippett and Garry Valk.
"I saw the rink, the facilities are unbelievable and the coaching staff is terrific, and the players' passion is just as great," Murphy, a member of the RBC Cup-champion Penticton Vees, said over the phone on Wednesday.
"This was the choice from the get-go," added Murphy, who zeroed in on UND shortly after deciding not to attend Merrimack. He will head to UND next season.
"I can't wait," said Murphy, who turns 19 in a month's time.
The six-foot, 180-pound sniper - who is currently second in BCHL scoring with three goals and four assists - visited the Grand Forks campus on Sunday and Monday.
