Alexandria, MN (Feb. 27, 2024)
For more information, contact: Johnny Van Atta, Director of Hockey Operations (615) 830-1113, [email protected]
The Northstar Knights are proud to announce that 18U Prep teammates Andrew Leung and Ryan Murphy have signed tenders in the NAHL. The NAHL is currently in its 49th season in and is the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior league comprising of 32 teams from across North America. A tender is a type of contract that players can sign that gives a team their exclusive rights. Once a player signs a tender with a team, their rights are held exclusively by that team and they are no longer eligible for the NAHL draft.
Andrew Leung tendered with the Austin Bruins and joins a long line of Knights Alumni to play in a Bruin uniform with Landon Dauner (‘23), Dylan Cook (‘22), Adler Johnston (‘22), Jens Richards (‘20), Tyler Ryder (‘20) and Ben Oakland (‘20). Leung will also be joined in Austin with current Knights, Gavin Hruza and Jake Spraetz, who tendered earlier in the season. “I am extremely excited to tender with the Bruins and join a long list of former teammates and Northstar alumni”, Leung said. “I would like to thank my family, and coaches for helping me get to this point. I can’t wait to get started!” The Renton, WA native joined the Knights in the 2021-22 season and has been an integral piece of the Knights blueline and leadership group ever since. Leung has served as the Captain for the 16U AAA team in 2022-23 and with the 18U Prep team this season. In his 3 seasons with the Knights, Leung has scored 67 points (15G, 52A) in 156 games played. As of last weekend, Leung played in his 156th game as a Knight which ranked him 1st in Knights history in games played, surpassing Caleb Elfering who played in 155 games. “The Northstar staff want to congratulate Andrew on his tender with Austin”, said 18U Prep Associate Coach, Joe Cullen. “He has been a true representation of a Northstar Knight for the last 3 years. He’s loved and respected by teammates and coaches. His leadership and work ethic are unmatched and we know he will be successful as he continues in his career.”
Ryan Murphy tendered with the Wisconsin Windigo and has been a part of the Knights organization since the 2021-22 season. In 140 games played through 3 seasons, Murphy has scored 108 points (37G, 71A), which ranks him 10th overall in career points at Northstar. This season, Murphy is 2nd on the 18U Prep team with 37 points (13G, 24A) in 43 games played. “I am extremely excited for this opportunity to tender with the Windigo”, Murphy said. “I would like to thank God, my family, and my coaches to help me get to this point. I can’t wait to get started next season!” Murphy (and Leung) join a short list of players to suit up for the Knights for 3 seasons and has made significant strides in his development every year. “We are excited to see Ryan get this opportunity with Wisconsin for next season”, said 18U Prep Head Coach, Rylan Galiardi. “As a 3 year Knight Ryan has grown immensely in every area of his life. His hockey sense and skill will make him an impact player as a rookie. More importantly, his foundation in the Lord will prepare him for the highs and lows of junior hockey.”
The Knights look forward to watching Leung and Murphy take the next step in their hockey careers. The team heads to Cedar Rapids, IA this weekend, March 1-3 for games against Nichols Prep (16U) and the Cleveland Barons (18U) before returning on March 8-9 for their final home games of the season against Lincoln Stars (16U) and Lake Forest Prep (18U).