A road well-travelled
Cape Breton West Islanders’ Matthews dedicated to playing hockey at the highest level
LOUISDALE — Dave Matthews has dedicated his youth to playing hockey at the highest level, even if that means spending hours on the road in hopes of turning dreams to reality.
The Louisdale native began his hockey career with the Strait Richmond Minor Hockey Association, but when he reached the bantam division, he made the sacrifice to play major bantam with the Well Wear Bombers.
Although the team was based in New Glasgow —an hour and 35 minutes away by car from his home — Matthews doesn't regret the decision to play with the club.
“It was quite a bit of travel, but at the end of the day it was worth it,” said the 16-year-old. “I played spring hockey there for five years prior to making the Bombers, so I guess it was the best situation for me.”
Matthews first tried out for The Nova major bantam team, which plays home games in Antigonish and Port Hawkesbury, but he was one of the club’s final cuts in 2016.
“The Bombers picked me up right away and committed to having me on the team, despite the far distance of travel,” said Matthews.
“I got used to it after a while, but at the start it was difficult — the car rides were great because it was a chance to bond with my father and it made the time go quicker.”
The centreman played two seasons in Pictou County with the Bombers, recording seven goals and 16 assists, before making the jump to major midget with the Cape Breton West Islanders.
As was the case playing for the Bombers, Matthews was forced to travel an hour to Port Hood on a regular basis for team practices and home games.
But travel was the last thing on Matthews mind when he cracked the Islanders' lineup for the 2018-19 season.
“Since I was little, I always wanted to have a chance to play in the NHL and playing with Cape Breton West was another stepping stone towards the goal,” said Matthews.
“They have a great organization — it’s one of the best in the league, in my opinion — so it was a no-brainer to try to make the team.”
Matthews suited up for 35 games with the Islanders in his rookie season. He recorded five goals and 16 points during the 2018-19 regular season before notching six points in seven playoff games.
“It took probably half the season to really get used to the league because it’s a lot different than major bantam,” said Matthews, who laughed when asked if he was related to Dave Matthews, the South African-born American singer, songwriter and actor.
“The speed was a lot faster and the guys were a lot bigger and more intense, but after I got used to it, everything started to go pretty smooth and things have fallen in place.”
Matthews was eligible for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Entry Draft last June, but was not selected by one of the league’s 18 teams.
“Not being drafted really gave me more motivation heading into this season, knowing it was my goal and something I really wanted,” said Matthews. “Playing major midget is one step closer to major junior, so I was determined going into the new season.”
Islanders' head coach Nick MacNeil, who played for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles during his major junior career, had a talk with Matthews after the draft.
“I told him not to get discouraged,” said MacNeil, a major junior veteran of 254 games.
“You see a lot of players who don’t get drafted, but still have great hockey careers — he has a great work ethic and is always pushing himself.”
Despite being disappointed with the QMJHL draft, the very next weekend Matthews was selected by the Pictou County Crushers in the seventh-round, No. 77 overall, at the Maritime Junior Hockey League Entry Draft.
“It was pretty exciting because I considered Pictou County to be my second home, having played there for two years in major bantam,” said Matthews. “I was extremely happy, I loved the town, I loved everything about the idea.”
Matthews attended the Crushers' training camp in August but was later reassigned to the Islanders for the 2019-20 season.
In 29 games this season, Matthews has 15 goals and 14 assists and is currently second on the team in points, behind only Lewis Taylor (35 points).
Along with his offensive production, Matthews is also an assistant captain on the team, which has nine rookies in its lineup this season.
“Dave is a guy that sets a great example for the younger kids,” said MacNeil. “He works hard in the gym and every day at practice, he’s a kid that loves hockey and is a pleasure to coach.
“I think he’s going to continue to improve year after year and you can already see he’s more confident out there — he's a player who stands out on the ice.”
Matthews hasn’t ruled out the possibility of playing major junior in the future. He’s still eligible for the QMJHL draft this year and hopes someone will take a chance on him.
“I’d love the opportunity,” said Matthews. “I’d love to get to that point, but if it doesn’t happen, I guess I’ll have to work even harder to get there.”
Matthews and his Islanders (10-18-0-1) will be in action tonight when they host the Kensington Monaghan Farms Wild (16-7-2-0) in interlock action at the Al MacInnis Sports Centre in Port Hood. Game time is 7 p.m.
The two teams last met in November at the Monctonian 'AAA' Challenge in Moncton. The Islanders won the game 4-2.
Cape Breton West will also be in action on Saturday when they travel to New Glasgow to play the Weeks Major Midgets. Puck drop is 4 p.m. at the Pictou County Wellness Centre.