Feature Story

From Minnesota to Iowa to Minnesota

 

By Jon Garver

 

In the United States, Minnesota is often referred to as “The State of Hockey.” As the numbers indicate, there are more Minnesota natives on U.S. National teams and in the National Hockey League than any other state. Young hockey players in Minnesota grow up with the game being a way of life, and Des Moines forward Taylor Matson is no exception.

Matson grew up in Minnesota and has been playing hockey since he was four years old. And since that time, Matson said he has either been on his skates or in the driveway shooting pucks.

“I skated on my lake outside my house with friends, enjoying it every day, no matter how cold I was,” said Matson. “I loved playing hockey and being from Minnesota made it even better because of its great tradition of hockey players.”

Matson looks forward to completing his first full year with the Buccaneers after limited action last season. Matson joined the Buccaneers at the trade deadline last February, coming to the Buccaneers after finishing his high school season with the Academy of Holy Angels.  Matson played his first game against Lincoln on March 7 and recorded an assist in the game for the Buccaneers. He ended up with four points (one goal and three assists) in 10 games. In 2007-08, Matson has four points on two goals and two assists, in nine games. 

In June, Matson was drafted in the sixth round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by Vancouver Canucks, going 176th overall. Matson was one of two USHLers selected by Vancouver in the draft, with Patrick White of the Tri-City Storm (and a fellow Minnesota native) going in the first round, 25th overall.

Matson said he came to Des Moines to develop his skills and get a year of junior hockey experience under his belt before going to college. 

“I think playing here is definitely a bonus for me because it gives me more time to get stronger and be more confident heading into my freshman year of college at the University of Minnesota.”

Matson said he chose the University of Minnesota because he loved the coaches and the school. Matson said “The U” made him feel at home and in a place where he really wanted to play.

“Every game I went to when I was younger, I have always wanted to be a Gopher no matter what,” said Matson. “I also like that the campus is close to home and I will know all of teammates even before starting my freshman year.”

Matson is currently one of three players on the Buccaneers squad to have committed to the University of Minnesota. Forwards Michael Dorr (Roseville, Minn.) and Ryan Walters (Rosemont, Minn.) have also made their commitments earlier this year.

Matson said his goals for this season are to be a good leader for his team, to have a great season. “Winning the Clark Cup Championship would be the ultimate goal,” he said.  The Buccaneers won the Clark Cup in 2006 and lost out in the semifinals of the USHL Final Four in 2007.

“For my future, I hope that I have a great college career, and maybe someday, make it to the NHL would be a dream that I have always wanted.”

 

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