TROY, N.Y. – Three distinguished alumni of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's hockey program were officially inducted into the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025.  Graeme Townshend '89, Joe Juneau '91, and Matt Murley '02,were among 16 total honorees recognized during the annual induction ceremony held earlier this summer.

"We are proud and honored to celebrate the induction of Graeme, Joe, and Matt into the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame," said RPI Director of Athletics, Dr. Kristie Bowers. "Each of these remarkable alumni has made an enduring impact on the game of hockey — from Graeme's groundbreaking role as the first Jamaican-born player in the NHL, to Joe's exceptional NHL career and his dedication to youth development in Canada's North, to Matt's dynamic success both in the NHL and internationally. Their accomplishments reflect the highest ideals of RPI Athletics and the strength of our hockey tradition. On behalf of the entire Rensselaer community, we offer our heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude for their lasting legacy."

Townshend, a 1989 graduate and native of Jamaica, appeared in 123 games for RPI over four seasons, accumulating 58 points (20 goals, 38 assists) as a physical two-way forward. Known for his grit and leadership, Townshend broke barriers as the first Jamaican-born player to appear in the NHL, suiting up for the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, and Ottawa Senators. He also logged over 400 games in the AHL and IHL, and later made significant contributions to the sport in coaching and development roles.

One of the most decorated players in RPI history, Juneau amassed 276 points (69 goals, 207 assists) in just 124 games from 1987 to 1991. Juneau's 207 career assists remain the most in program history, and his 70 points in 1989-90 and 63 in 1990-91 are among the top single-season totals in school history. A two-time All-American and Olympian, Juneau helped lead Canada to a silver medal at the 1992 Winter Olympics before embarking on a 13-year NHL career. He recorded 572 points (156 goals, 416 assists) in 828 regular season games across stints with the Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators, Phoenix Coyotes, and Montreal Canadiens. He added 79 points in 112 career playoff games.

A 2002 graduate, Murley was one of the most dynamic scorers to wear an Engineer uniform, tallying 175 points (74 goals, 101 assists) in 137 career games. The forward was a three-time All-ECAC selection and led the Engineers in scoring three times. He twice recorded 24-goal seasons and capped his RPI career with back-to-back campaigns of 42 and 46 points. Following graduation, Murley was a second-round NHL Draft pick and played in 62 NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Phoenix Coyotes. He also spent several seasons in the AHL and enjoyed a lengthy international career.

The New York State Hockey Hall of Fame, launched in 2023, celebrates the state's most impactful contributors to the sport across all levels.