Salmon Kings Sign Former Viper MacMurchy:

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Ryan MacMurchy has signed with the ECHL Victoria Salmon Kings. MacMurchy played just one season in Vernon (2000-01) before going on to the University of Wisconsin. MacMurchy is now the second former Vernon Viper playing in Victoria, as former Vipers forward, Jonathan Milhouse also signed with the Salmon Kings this season.

Here is the article that was posted on the Salmon Kings website:

Salmon Kings Sign Ryan MacMurchy

Former NCAA Champion forward signs in Victoria for 2010-11.

For Immediate Release

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Victoria, BC – The Victoria Salmon Kings, proud affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks and Manitoba Moose, announced today that they have signed forward Ryan MacMurchy for the 2010-11 season.

The Regina, SK native spent his entire 2009-10 campaign in the American Hockey League (AHL) under contract to the Springfield Falcons. In 56 contests last year he scored 14 points (2g-12a) while serving 38 minutes in penalties. MacMurchy just finished participating in the Chicago Wolves’ training camp.

“Ryan is a versatile forward who competes at both ends of the rink,” General Manager and Head Coach Mark Morrison said. “He adds scoring and grit to our lineup.”

The 6-2, 207 lb. forward donned a Stockton Thunder jersey in the ECHL for both the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons. In 78 total games as a member of the Thunder, MacMurchy netted 32 goals and 39 assists for 71 points with 127 penalty minutes. During the 2007-08 campaign, he led all Stockton skaters with 23 goals, and was named to the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game.

The 27-year-old split his 2006-07 campaign between the AHL (Peoria Rivermen) and ECHL (Alaska Aces). The majority of the season was spent in Peoria where he registered five points (4g-1a) and 20 penalty minutes in 24 games played. MacMurchy also appeared in 18 contests with the Aces, tallying four goals and assisting on six other for 10 points, while accruing 52 minutes in penalties. He also dressed for 15 Kelly Cup Playoff contests that spring in Alaska, accumulating five points (4g-1a) and 63 penalty minutes.

MacMurchy was a ninth-round selection (#284 overall) of the St. Louis Blues in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. For his professional career, he has amassed 100 points (42g-58a) and 237 minutes in penalties in 176 games.

Prior to turning professional, MacMurchy spent a four-year career (2002-03 thru 2005-06) in the NCAA with the University of Wisconsin. In 164 career appearances as a Badger he notched 110 points (44g-66a) and 342 penalty minutes. In his senior year in Wisconsin, MacMurchy helped lead the Badgers to an NCAA Championship.

MacMurchy began his junior hockey career with one season (2000-01) in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) as a member of the Vernon Vipers. In 55 games played he registered four goals and 16 assists for 20 points while serving 27 minutes in penalties.