Former Portage Terrier defenceman Owen Murray is taking on a leadership role in Green Bay this season. Murray was named an alternate captain of the USHL club and says it is one of those situations that has come around in a full circle for him.

"It wasn't long ago that I was the young 15/16-year-old in the room that had to earn my spot and learn from all those older guys that I played with," Murray explains. "It's been a treat to be on the other side of it and see what those guys saw when I was that young guy. It's been a blast so far."

His 15 and 16-year-old years were spent in Portage as a member of the Terriers. In 85 games between 2018-2020, Murray totalled 67 points and was a part of the 2019 ANAVET Cup-winning squad in his rookie season. The defenceman describes what he learned in those seasons that he is now teaching the younger players in Green Bay.

"Stay as level-headed as possible, you don't want to get too far ahead of yourself, and earning everything you get which was the biggest thing for me," says Murray. "I really learned from guys like Ty Barnstable and Chase Brakel that every single day is a grind and you have to work hard to get what you wanted. That's what led to a ton of our success and I'm sure glad I got to experience their leadership in my younger years."

Murray says he and the rest of the Gamblers leadership group have put a huge focus on those two things and have tried to lead by example in practice, working as hard as they possibly can.

Through nine games so far this season the blueliner has accumulated one goal and four assists. Murray explains his goals for this season.

"I felt like last year was a bit of a whirlwind for me being out in B.C. and playing there for a bit. Then I came here to Green Bay in the middle of the season, which was a little hectic and I felt like I never got my footing down in either place," Murray says. "This year I'm already in a groove and ready to go. Now it's just a matter of taking the next step from what I did last year. I was a pretty good player in this league and I want to be one of the top defenceman and elite players in this league."

Murray and the Gamblers currently have a record of 5-4 and will be on the ice next on Friday, November 5 against the Chicago Steel.