If you followed college hockey, and specifically Boston University, you knew of Matt Brown. Brown produced nearly a point per game during his time at Boston. Before transferring to Boston University, he was at UMass. While playing for UMass, he played in 52 games and produced 14 goals with 23 assists. He transferred to Boston University after he felt that UMass wasn’t the right fit for him. He played in 63 games for Boston and amassed a total of 23 goals and 41 assists.
Brown’s big break came after college when he was signed to an AHL contract.
“Everyone wants to play pro. Everyone dreams of it when they are younger. I still have a ways to go and can climb up, but it was another stepping stone in the journey. It was a good feeling [to sign that contract]”
Before college hockey life, Brown played in the USHL and NAHL. He played 63 games for the Dubuque Fighting Saints and Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL. Brown tallied a total of 30 goals and 27 assists during his time on those two teams. In the NAHL, Brown played in 41 games for the Odessa Jackalopes where he netted 16 goals with 25 assists.
“They were both really challenging [leagues]. They both contributed alot to my growth as a player and developing as a person. Two of the most fun years i have had in hockey. Really good teams, really good guys, and a really enjoyable experience.”
For most players, Hockey is a natural occurrence in their lives from a young age and something they strive to work hard for to get to the levels they are at.
“My first birthday i got a hockey stick and that’s what got me into it. I started skating when i was probably three and playing when i was four”
Separating the mind from the game is an important aspect for the player and their game.
“I got into [golf] a few years ago. I started picking up playing guitar. I am a bit of a gamer. Kind of hanging out with the guys as well”
The attitude of a team can affect the play of the team on the ice as well as off the ice. In those rough seasons, that most teams face now and again, staying disciplined and in routine is important for the singular players.
“Having discipline, always having your stick on the ice. Small habits that come, attitudes in the locker room. It’s how you carry yourself off the ice and discipline the team has. I think alo fo the habits that the guys enfroce and the standards the team holds off the ice carry and translate into the games, into practices.”
Off-season training is a regimen every player follows and it continues to develop their play into the next season. It helps to not only strengthen the skills already set in place, but skills that need to be worked on.
“Off season, I typically workout four to five times a week and skate, depending on the time of the summer. During the season, i skate anywhere from two to four times in season, depending on practice schedule.”
As humans, we all learn lessons that make us grow. Lessons that are learned by observing are always important as well because that lesson can be applied to any situation that you run into that is similar. This is all about making a person better. Brown touched on what lessons he has learned over the years to make him a better player and person.
“The biggest thing I’ve seen and I’ve seen affect guys, and honestly ruin some careers or make some careers, is how guys can handle adversity. If there’s alot of g uys that get hung up on stuff that they can’t control or bad situations. I think that if you can keep your mental fortitude, roll with the punches, and work just as hard as you can, that is the biggest difference maker for alot of guys.
Currently Brown is in the ECHL with the Reading Royals. To date, he has played 15 games with the Royals. He has accumulated six goals with 13 assists.
During the summer of 2023, Brown participated in a weekend tournament that takes place in Voorhees, NJ called “Checking for Charity”. He played for 43Oak Foundation, which bases its foundation “On the educational development of young athletes who are either minorities or underprivileged through the sport of ice hockey. Ice Hockey is notoriously predominantly caucasian and the players have generally middle to upper-class income. The 43 OAK Foundation has set out to give this opportunity to those who have not been exposed to the sport (due to financial means or other barriers to entry).” https://www.43oakfoundation.org/aboutus
