Matt Ross: What's Your Story?

A wise man once told me, "all roads lead to beer league."

Yeah reality sets in quick sometimes. In 84 was playing water polo professionally in Hungary. Had always loved hockey speed, skill and violence and such.

Guy says hockey is just water polo with the water frozen and more gear. So I go get some and start learning how to play. Thinking I'm a pro athlete should be able to transition to another sport no worries. That's how 20 yr olds see everything I guess.

Well fast forward and it's now late nights with the fellas in beer leagues and having a great time.

A wise man once told me, "all roads lead to beer league."
- drew18

So true!

Yeah reality sets in quick sometimes. In 84 was playing water polo professionally in Hungary. Had always loved hockey speed, skill and violence and such.

Guy says hockey is just water polo with the water frozen and more gear. So I go get some and start learning how to play. Thinking I'm a pro athlete should be able to transition to another sport no worries. That's how 20 yr olds see everything I guess.

Well fast forward and it's now late nights with the fellas in beer leagues and having a great time.
- dozerD10

DozerD10 -

Heck yea, man! It’s all about hanging out with fellas and playing some beer league.

Pro water polo? Wow. Very cool.

You guys are going to LOVE Heponiemi.

Opponents are frequently caught off guard by the sheer audacity of the things he tries. He completes passes that seem impossible just because nobody else would even think to attempt it.

You guys are going to LOVE Heponiemi.

Opponents are frequently caught off guard by the sheer audacity of the things he tries. He completes passes that seem impossible just because nobody else would even think to attempt it.
- BINGO!

Some solid razzle-dazzle, BINGO?

I assume that helps to sort of balance his smallish size (he’s billed around 5’10” and like 148-154 lb).

I was about 8 years old when I started playing. Much like you my skating was poor and is still not great. I mainly played defense until one game playing outside on a very cold Manitoba winter where we only had 7 players, where after the 1st period our goalie was too cold to stay in the nets, my father who was our coach, picked me to put on the pads. We ended up playing to a 3-3 tie that game and I loved it and played goalie until I was 14 when I stopped playing. I picked up the game again 10 years later when I was 24 and played on the wing for years. I have transitioned back to defense now as I couldn't keep up with the 18 year olds on the wing. Three knee operations, a torn groin, torn rotator cuff, broken hand, and 10 stitches to my face from a skate can't keep me away. I'm now almost 57 and I have just paid my dues to play again this winter. Gotta love hockey.

Some solid razzle-dazzle, BINGO?

I assume that helps to sort of balance his smallish size (he’s billed around 5’10” and like 148-154 lb).
- Matt Ross

Yeah, not overly flashy with his hands, but kind of has that Joe Thornton thing where, if you're even a little open, he can hit you with a pass.

Yeah, not overly flashy with his hands, but kind of has that Joe Thornton thing where, if you're even a little open, he can hit you with a pass.
- BINGO!

Ohh...I like the sound of that!

What would be the opposite nickname of ‘Jumbo’?

I was about 8 years old when I started playing. Much like you my skating was poor and is still not great. I mainly played defense until one game playing outside on a very cold Manitoba winter where we only had 7 players, where after the 1st period our goalie was too cold to stay in the nets, my father who was our coach, picked me to put on the pads. We ended up playing to a 3-3 tie that game and I loved it and played goalie until I was 14 when I stopped playing. I picked up the game again 10 years later when I was 24 and played on the wing for years. I have transitioned back to defense now as I couldn't keep up with the 18 year olds on the wing. Three knee operations, a torn groin, torn rotator cuff, broken hand, and 10 stitches to my face from a skate can't keep me away. I'm now almost 57 and I have just paid my dues to play again this winter. Gotta love hockey.
- tornado24

Tornado24 -

Great story and thanks for sharing. Love that you jumped into the blue paint out of necessity and stayed there for a bit.

Man...lots of injuries and you’re still going at it. Love it.

That’s hockey, baby!

Great article Matt. This takes most kids back to their first experience playing hockey. Can't wait to hear more information/rumors about what the Panthers are going to do leading up to the draft.

Great article Matt. This takes most kids back to their first experience playing hockey. Can't wait to hear more information/rumors about what the Panthers are going to do leading up to the draft.
- islansjet

Hey Islansjet,

Thanks and I hear you. I have the really been seeing much in the news department with the Panthers. I’m hoping once a team makes a move, some dominos will start falling 👍

Hey Islansjet,

Thanks and I hear you. I have the really been seeing much in the news department with the Panthers. I’m hoping once a team makes a move, some dominos will start falling 👍
- Matt Ross

As we get closer to the Draft players and picks will be moved. Its always fun to see what happens. In Winnipeg Trouba, Ehlers and even Roslovic seem to be in the trade conversations as the Jets want a top center, a LHD shot d-man or draft picks.

Hey Islansjet,

Thanks and I hear you. I have the really been seeing much in the news department with the Panthers. I’m hoping once a team makes a move, some dominos will start falling 👍
- Matt Ross

As we get closer to the Draft players and picks will be moved. Its always fun to see what happens. In Winnipeg Trouba, Ehlers and even Roslovic seem to be in the trade conversations as the Jets want a top center, a LHD shot d-man or draft picks.

i was born a poor black child..

As we get closer to the Draft players and picks will be moved. Its always fun to see what happens. In Winnipeg Trouba, Ehlers and even Roslovic seem to be in the trade conversations as the Jets want a top center, a LHD shot d-man or draft picks.
- islansjet

I'm really curious to see what happens in Winnipeg this offseason - especially with the defensive situation.

How interesting!

How interesting!
- PanthersGoal

I can tell you’re going to be the Jay sherman (AKA The Critic) of the blog, PanthersGoal.

Haha.

I can tell you’re going to be the Jay sherman (AKA The Critic) of the blog, PanthersGoal.

Haha.


- Matt Ross

Obviously, you ARE new here... Well, we'll see what happens. No Promises.