Murray and Dumba to join forces along blue line

Wednesday, 02.01.2012 / 6:10 PM

By Mike G. Morreale - NHL.com Staff Writer / Live Blog: NHL.com at CHL Top Prospects Game

Share with your Friends


Live Blog: NHL.com at CHL Top Prospects Game
Murray and Dumba to join forces along blue line
KELOWNA, B.C. -- It appears as though Ryan Murray and Mathew Dumba, two of the most talked-about defensive prospects eligible for the 2012 NHL Draft, will pair up in the first period of the Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game on Wednesday at Prospera Place.

"That will be a pretty deadly pair, that's for sure," Team Cherry goalie Matthew Murray told NHL.com.

Perhaps it won't be the first time, either, that Murray and Dumba pair up along the blue line in an All-Star type setting. Both players, who worked together exclusively during Wednesday's morning skate for Team Cherry, are looking forward to the opportunity.

"Me and Ryan have some good chemistry together," Dumba told NHL.com. "I'm a right defenseman and he's the left defenseman. He's a great player. He keeps things predictable and is always making the right simple plays, so it's really fun to play with a guy like that."

Ditto for Murray, who is ranked No. 3 on NHL Central Scouting's midterm list for North American skaters eligible for the June draft. Dumba is ranked No. 7.

"It'll be pretty cool … he's an outstanding player with a lot of talent and skill," Murray said. "He's a great guy and I'm really looking forward to playing with him."

There's no question Team Cherry goalies Murray and Brandon Whitney will be glad as well.

"Both of them are some of the smoothest skaters I've ever seen in my entire life," Murray said. "I'm really impressed when I get to watch those guys play and when they're out there. As a goalie, you feel a little more comfortable because they're such good players and they're good on offense and defense.

"They're both calm and relaxed and they give a relaxing effect to the entire team when everybody starts running around. Those guys step up in a leadership role and take charge."

Follow Mike Morreale on Twitter at: @mike_morreale

 
2012 NHL Draft