“I just watch hockey for the sake of watching hockey, because it’s a great sport, but growing up . . . it was always the Leafs,” said Matt Stanisz, an incoming Carleton Ravens men’s hockey team recruit.
It seems appropriate, then, that the 21-year-old defenceman will be attending the Toronto Maple Leafs rookie camp and tournament on a tryout.
“I’d always have family over just to watch the games and root for them. It’s a big coincidence. It would have been nice to go to any team, but obviously Toronto is definitely a dream come true,” added Stanisz.
No dream comes true without a lot of hard work, as Stanisz must be aware, having paid his dues in the juniors. Prior to joining the Carleton Ravens, the Burlington, Ont. native spent five years in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Barrie Colts and the Owen Sound Attack, compiling some impressive statistics that include a plus 78 rating over the five years and 88 points with the Colts and the Attack.
Known largely as a reliable defender, Stanisz saw his offensive totals blossom last season with Owen Sound. He scored 12 goals and added 31 assists for the reigning OHL champions.
When asked about his scoring prowess, Stanisz was quick to praise his teammates.
“Getting the opportunity to play powerplay . . . it comes along with getting the goals,” he said. “When you’ve got good guys in Owen Sound like Joey Hishon, Garrett Wilson and (Toronto’s second-round draft pick in 2009) Jesse Blacker . . . it helps out.”
While enthused at the opportunity for Stanisz, Ravens head coach Marty Johnston seemed to be cautiously optimistic about his chances.
“I think his chances of making the Leafs are probably not great, but in terms of getting an American [Hockey] League contract, I think his chances are very good based on the season he had last year,” he said.
Stanisz said he leaves for the rookie tournament in Oshawa, Ont. Sept. 8, and the first round of cuts will be made Sept. 14. The Leafs prospects will be competing against prospect squads from the Chicago Blackhawks, the Ottawa Senators, and the Pittsburgh Penguins starting Sept. 10.
Should Stanisz not receive a contract offer from the Maple Leafs organization, he will return to a Carleton squad that seeks to improve upon its franchise best 18-8-2 record from last season.
“I think he was the best defenseman available in the OHL from the overagers that they had. I know he was highly sought after and we’re really happy to have him,” said Johnston, whose Ravens would surely welcome him back.
