DUBAI - Randy Murphy is back on skates and loving it apparently. 

In his latest installment to Pro Hockey News and the New Mexico Scorpions web site, Murphy has been showing his excitement about the tournament in Dubai.

“We played our first two games of the tournament,” Murphy told PHN.  “The games involved teams from the Czech Republic, Germany Canada, Qatar, Oman, USA and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).”

More than a few ex-pats reside and work in the Middle East and ice hockey has been an outgrowth of this population.  Many of the teams in the countries of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Dubai have been in existence for years and competed annually in tournaments that bring out not only the ex-pat talent but the always improving talent of local hockey players.

“The teams are very competitive and consist of a great mix of locals and American and Canadians here on employment,” Murphy explained. 

As an ambassador for the Central Hockey League and New Mexico, Murphy will make a small presentation during the tournament. 

“I will be presenting a Scorpions Jersey to the tournament organizers at the next game (today at 5pm GMT),” Murphy said.

Regardless of the tournament outcomes the Scorpions’ head coach is getting his ice legs back and making great connections in a region where hockey may be alien but becoming more and more popular.

Contact rmurphy@scorpionshockey.com

Be sure to follow Pro Hockey News next month as Karim Kerbouche reports on the Arab Cup 2009.