Lisy excited for World Juniors opportunity
By DANNY RODE – Matus Lisy knows a thing or two about playing internationally.
The 18-year-old native of Brastislova, Slokavia has played for his country the last two years. But this year it’s a whole new experience.
The Red Deer Rebels rookie rearguard has been named to Slovakia’s preliminary roster for the impending World Junior Championship in Minnesota.
“I played in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup (last year) but this is new and exciting for me,” he said. “I do know most of the guys on the team as I’ve played with them before.”
The fact he’ll be playing alongside some of his close friends will help in that he won’t be able to go home for Christmas.
“It will be something new not spending time at home at Christmas, or seeing my parents, but I’ll be with friends and I think it’ll be good. My parents will be coming over in February.”
Lisy, who was a second-round selection in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, has been a solid addition to the Rebels this season.
He’s played in 26 games with two goals and four assists and has a plus-minus of zero.
“I think things are going pretty good,” he said. “When I first came here it was tough as I was in a new country and the style of play was different. It was quicker and more physical, which was something new for me. The smaller ice surface was also new.”
Rebels defensive coach Mike Egener likes what he sees from the six-foot,192-pound Lisy.
“He’s made big strides from beginning of the season. He’s grown first and foremost defending in his zone, he has good gaps and his overall defending has really improved. For a coach that’s first and foremost.
“Especially for a defensive coach you want someone you can rely on to play their position well.”
Egener also likes what he sees on the offensive side.
“His understanding with the puck continues to impress, when it’s time to move the puck or skate yourself out of a situation. He’s really grown in that area.”
Lisy believes he’s a two-way defenceman.
“I like to play offensively, to make good passes, but also stay at home, I feel my IQ is my biggest strength.”
His hockey IQ is a must to have success at the WHL level.
“At this level everything happens fast you have to make sure when you’re moving the puck you have to move it hard and quick and you have to move your feet,” added Egener. “He’s come a long way since the beginning of the year in that aspect.”
Egener added that the biggest thing he learned was how to defence to the best olf his ability with his skillset.
‘He’s not going to play like a guy like (six-foot-five, 221-pound Aleksey) Chichkin, who will play a hard physical game, who bolls guys over. For Lisy that’s not his game. It’s how can he defend effectively, how to close quickly, to have a good stick in front of the net and to use his body positioning effectively … that sort of thing.”
Lisy did play both junior and senior hockey at home last season, which he indicated helped in making the transition.
Last year was his draft year, but was overlooked despite being ranked 73rd among European Skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
“I’m still available this year and I will get more exposure playing here (and at the World Juniors),” he said. “If I don’t get drafted this year hopefully, I get invited to camp. It doesn’t matter which.”
Lisy didn’t real set a goal for himself the rest of the season but did for the team.
“Our goal is to make the playoffs and hopefully reach the final. I like to help the best I can.”
Lisy has played with several different partners this season but enjoys his time with Jake Missura.
‘We live together and are good friends,” he said.
Lisy leaves for Team Slovakia selection camp on Sunday while Samuel Drancak departed to join Team Czechia’s camp Thursday.
Athletic Therapist Terence Robertson is enroute as part of Team Canada’s staff for the tournament. Rob Manca, a local athletic therapist who works with the Sylvan Lake Gulls of the WCBL, is filling in for Robertson during his absence.
