Q&A with Matthew Wedman

Matthew Wedman was drafted in the second round, 38th overall, in the 2014 Bantam Draft by the T-Birds. In his career with the T-Birds he has played 190 games and has 29 goals and 52 assists for 81 points in three regular seasons. Over the last three seasons Wedman has appeared in 43 playoff games where he’s scored three goals and had seven assists for 10 points.

ST: First off, thanks for taking some time join us. How has your summer been?

MW: My summer has been good. Its been nice to see my friends and family.

ST: During the offseason what has your training consisted of? Are you working on anything specific?

MW: Mostly just trying to get stronger and faster, and just trying to get on the ice as much as possible.

ST: Going into your fourth season, what does it mean to you to be counted on as a veteran leader?

MW: It’s going to be fun to take the leadership qualities I learned from past leaders and instill them in the younger guys.

ST: What are your expectations for yourself and the team this season?

MW: I expect the team to be back in the WHL finals in May. We’ve got a talented, hard working group and I’m expecting to play a big role in making that happen.

ST: The team has lost a couple of important forwards in Neuls and Moilanen. But this provides the opportunity for younger guys to step up. What advice do you have for these guys as we look ahead to the season?

MW: Just come to the rink every day focusing on trying to get better.

ST: How does it feel to play your hometown team Edmonton?

MW: It’s always nice to play in front of my friends and family. Playing there once every two years makes it even more special.

ST: What NHL center do you try to model your playing style after?

MW: I try to model my game after Calgary Flames center, Sean Monahan. I like the way he combines size, speed and skill.

ST: You were on two teams that made the WHL Championship, winning it all in 2017. What does the team have to do to return the Championship Final?

MW: To make the finals we will need to have all four lines contributing. just like how we went to our previous finals.

ST: What does your pregame routine look like? Do you have a go to playlist you listen to or meal you like to eat?

MW: After pre-game skate I like to have a nap followed by a pre-game meal, chicken and rice (my billets have made a lot of chicken and rice over the years).

ST: We look forward to seeing you back at training camp, thanks for your time.

MW: Thanks

Seattle Thunderbirds Public & Media Relations Intern Alex Dupille conducted the Q&A with Matthew Wedman. The team will be posting Q&A’s during the off-season with returning T-Birds players.