WHL ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: MATT CALVERT
Matt Calvert used to wow WHL fans with his speed, skill and tenacity during his three-year career with his hometown Brandon Wheat Kings. Now, the 21-year-old Brandon, MB, is earning his stripes at hockey’s top level in his first season with the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets.
Calvert joined the Wheat Kings in 2007-08 as an 18-year-old rookie after piling up 52 goals and 137 points over two seasons with the Wheat Kings of the Manitoba midget league, and quickly established himself as a key cog on one of the best lines in Major Junior hockey alongside Brayden Schenn and Scott Glennie.
Selected by the Blue Jackets in the fifth round (127th overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Calvert dominated the WHL to the tune of 99 goals and 230 points in 198 regular-season games while leading the Wheat Kings to 140 wins over three seasons.
With the Wheat Kings hosting the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament, Calvert even turned down a professional contract in 2009-10 to return for his overage season just so he could be a part of the Memorial Cup tournament on his home turf.
Having graduated to the professional level for the 2010-11 season, Calvert enjoyed a strong start to the season with the AHL’s Springfield Falcons, notching 13 goals and 25 points in 38 games before earning the call to join the Blue Jackets on January 7th. The 5’9”, 164-lb winger hasn’t looked back, and has found himself as a regular in Columbus’ lineup, skating alongside stars like Rick Nash, and fellow WHL grads Kris Russell and Derek Dorsett.
CATCHING UP WITH…MATT CALVERT
On the start to his NHL career…
“It’s been an awesome experience. It’s hard to put into words. You do everything you can to prepare yourself for the day you get to play in the NHL, and now that I am here, it’s pretty unbelievable. I’ve been given some good opportunities to play, and I’m working hard to try and earn my spot.”
On his first NHL game versus the Anaheim Ducks…
“I got flown into California – Orange County – and I had never seen that part of the country. I felt I was pretty prepared to play my first game, and make my debut. There were some nerves, but it wasn’t too bad. I just focused on getting out there and playing my game, and I felt pretty good when I settled in. We lost the game pretty badly, but it was a game I’ll never forget.”
On going up against the stars he grew up idolizing…
“There are times, when you play some of the big stars, that you might get a bit star-struck, which kinda got me a bit when we played Tampa Bay and I got to go up against Martin St. Louis, who was my favorite player, when I was growing up. So far, I’ve gotten to play teams like Detroit and San Jose, and played against Lidstrom, Zetterberg and Thornton, which is pretty cool. But, you realize that you are here to battle against them, that you are playing at their level, and that you are capable of staying with them and competing on their level.”
On the adjustment to the NHL level of play…
“Id’ say the biggest thing is the execution level out there. The players up here are so good, and the talent level is so high that guys will put passes on your tape and make plays at such a high pace. Everything happens so fast and you really have to be on your toes and keep your head in the game or you will be lost out there. For me, I find that if I just go to the places I’m supposed to go and make sure I get open, guys will find you with passes. The AHL is a very good league, and there are a lot of great players there, but when you get to the NHL, you really see the difference. There’s a reason why the NHL is the best league in the world.”
On keeping up with the Wheat Kings…
“I check up on them quite a bit, and I keep up on how they are doing. I still have some good friends on the team, and I keep in contact with (coach and general manager) Kelly McCrimmon as well as (Brayden Schenn), who is with the Saskatoon Blades, now. I know the Wheat Kings are making a bit of a push right now after a tough start. It’s looking like they may go up against the Blades in the first round of the playoffs, and face Schenner, which would be interesting.”
On developing his game in the WHL…
“I came into the WHL as an 18-year-old, so I only got three years in the League. But, I really enjoyed my time playing with the Wheat King. Playing in the WHL, you are going up against really strong, physical players, big defensemen, and really tough and talented teams. You play a 72-game schedule, which gets you ready for what you face in the pros, and you learn from great coaches and players. For me, playing in the WHL was probably the biggest reason why I am playing in the NHL now. I think the WHL is a very well-respected league by NHL scouts and teams.”
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