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MattyJ · 01-20-2024, 01:57 AM

In the midst of anticipation and excitement for the upcoming Simulation Hockey League (SHL) junior draft, we had the privilege of sitting down with MattyJ, a budding talent and right-handed left winger hailing from the sunny city of Tampa, Florida. As we delved into his past, aspirations, and the unique journey that has brought him to the threshold of the SHL juniors, MattyJ's story unfolded as a testament to the power of pursuing your dreams.

Born in raised in Tampa, Florida, young MattyJ found his love of hockey playing his favorite Playstation game, Super Blood Hockey. A game where big hits and fighting rises you to the top. He started playing street hockey when he was 12 and has had a tight grip on his stick ever since. Although he is yet to lace up the skates and get on any sort of ice, he is confident that he can skate with the best of the best. This confidence comes from hours of Youtube tutorials he has delved into. He strives to prove every day that Florida is in fact a hockey state. Growing up in the heart of Champa Bay, winning is all he knows, and he says it will stay that way.

We talked to MattyJ about his playstyle and how he believes he can find success in the SMJHL. As a righty left winger, MattyJ has a slap shot that freezes any goaltender. He stressed to us that he is not a one dimensional player. Alongside his ungodly slapshot, he can skate circles around any defenseman, he can defend any player in the league, and he can setup his teammates when necessary. Although an offensive focused player, MattyJ exclaimed that he is not afraid to drop the mitts with any bonehead that looks at him the wrong way. His confidence is unmatched and is a trait we are excited to see throughout his career.

About the upcoming junior draft, MattyJ has no preference to where he will be drafted. MattyJ told us, "Its not a matter of where I go, the only thing that matters is they take me at 1." He grew up a Barricuda fan so he hopes to eventually help turn their franchise around when making it to the SHL. We asked if theres anywhere he would not play once he made it to the big leagues. MattyJ said. "I will play with whatever team drafts me, it would be an honor to be drafted to any team that has the confidence in me. Unless it is Toronto or New Orleans, I would rather never pick up a stick again. F*** those cities"

MattyJ's journey is not just about the present; it's about the future. As he awaits the draft into the SMJHL, he envisions the next chapter of his hockey career. His eyes light up when he talks about the prospect of competing at the junior level, facing new challenges, and contributing to the success of his team. The draft day looms large in his eyes, promising a new beginning for this talented left winger from Tampa.

"Championships are inevitable, winning is easy, let's do that damn hockey" -MattyJ