Rodeo King
Edmonton Oil Kings defenseman Matt Swaby has traded his skates for spurs during the off season, and the former captain is putting his cowboy boots to good use. Swaby showed his rodeo king pride on Wednesday, July 9 riding in the Novice Saddle Bronc event at the 2008 Calgary Stampede.
r
Swaby lasted 7.8 seconds before being bucked off by War Drum, a horse from the Calgary Stampede stock. “A good little horse, went right out of the chute and bucked straight across” said Swaby. “Kicked and jumped alright, just missed the horn by 0.2 seconds.”
r
While Swaby is accustomed to playing hockey in front of the crowds at Rexall Place as an Oil King, this was his first appearance in a novice event at the Calgary Stampede, rodeo’s richest, roughest ride. “The crowd was great, the place was packed and the adrenaline was just running through me before I jumped in the chute” recalls Swaby. “To get the chance to ride in that arena during Stampede is amazing, I’m so happy I got the opportunity.”
r
Swaby grew up on a grain farm in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and is comfortable around the rodeo grounds. Earlier in the season Swaby put his cowboy boots to good use when he teamed up for some team roping with Canadian Champion Marty Becker. The two team-roped Louie the Oil Kings mascot while donning a specialty Rodeo Kings jersey the team wore November 1, 2007 vs Everett. The game-worn jerseys were later auctioned off for $22,000 in support of the Rodeo Benevolent fund. Swaby’s Rodeo King jersey sold for $1700.
r
Swaby has been on 18 horses this summer on the rodeo circuit and placed 2nd place in Rockglen, Saskatchewan. While the Calgary Stampede will be the biggest rodeo appearance for him this year, Matt plans to continue riding throughout the summer before dusting off his hockey skates for the season 08/09 season.
