Matt Barnes '16 Recruiting Profile

I started playing hockey when I was 8 years old, a bit late compared to a lot of my friends, however I quickly learned that I loved the sport, and that passion and intensity has only grown exponentially over the last 10 years.  In minor hockey, I played for two different teams The Burlington eagles and the Barrie JR Colts, making Assistant Captain for both and was drafted to the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL in my minor midget year (2014). Even though I was not signed with the Wolves that year, it made me even more determined than ever to work as hard as I could to ensure I secured a spot in the OJHL, signing with the Orangeville Flyers that summer. I played with them for 2 seasons and was considered by my coaches and teammates, as one of the top two defensemen for that team, both years.   

In May of 2016, I decided that my best opportunity to pursue both my hockey aspirations and a college education, was to look at the many options within the United States.  My parents and I did our research and decided that the NAHL would be a great organization to continue to pursue my goals.  The Topeka Roadrunners were looking for defensemen that year and they enthusiastically welcomed me to the team after attending their rookie camp and being drafted by them in the 4th round.  Our team struggled last year,  but I felt I had a very good year in Topeka, being voted by NHL Scouting to the NAHL Selects team for the Top Prospects tournament, and winning Top Defensemen for the Roadrunners.  One of the most impressive aspects of playing in Topeka was the team's involvement in the local community, where the entire team volunteered with schools and various fundraisers to help promote education, teamwork and leadership.  The involvement in these team activities and the struggles we had as a team, helped me to grow a great deal as a person, learning that leading off the ice was just as important as leading on the ice.  

In the off season, I maintain a very strict and consistent training regiment, helping me to prepare for the next season.  My off ice training is with Laylor Performance Systems in Vaughn, Ontario, well known for training Olympic and professional athletes.  I've been working with them for 3 years and they have helped in so many ways.  They have introduced me to additional training opportunities both here and in the USA and continue to support me to this day, helping me to gain strength as an athlete and as a person.  

My story wouldn't be complete without mentioning my family.  My mother Hayden and my father Roy have made many sacrifices over the years that I've been playing hockey, and they continue to be my biggest fans and are the most important support system anyone could ask for.   Whenever possible we like to spend time together as a family at our family cottage in Muskoka in central Ontario, swimming at the lake, or sharing some laughs around the fire at night.