Player profile: Brian Matte

Rookie left wing competing for a spot on Brahmas roster

Rookie left wing Brian Matte was one of five players the Texas Brahmas sent to the Oklahoma City Barons (AHL) training camp last week. As he has not been listed as a signed player, we can only gather that Matte will be competing for a spot on the 2010-11 roster this week during the Brahmas' training camp.

Here's a little background information:

Matte, 22, played for half of the 2009-10 season with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns (CWUAA) along with Adam Chorneyko, who signed with the Brahmas on March 14th and played the final four regular season games and remained with the team throughout the post-season. Though his time with the team was brief, Matte contributed an impressive 18 points (12 G, 6 A) and 40 penalty minutes in 12 games played.

Brian Matte

The 6', 184 pound Prince George, BC native played three seasons of Junior A hockey in British Columbia. In 2006-07, he played for the Williams Lake TimberWolves (BCHL) where he put up 30 points (12 G, 18 A) and 59 PIM in 40 games. The following season, Matte played for the Cowichan Valley Capitals (BCHL) and registered 34 points (20 G, 14 A) and 47 PIM in 58 games played.

In 2008-09, Matte tried out for the Prince George Cougars, a WHL squad in his home town, who were able to add him to their roster only because they had room for another 20-year-old (junior-league teams are allowed to carry just three). He made the roster and tallied 30 points (17 G, 13 A) and 71 PIM in 48 regular season contests. Six goals came on the power play and two came short-handed, which tied for the WHL lead among rookies. He was also the Cougars' leader in plus-minus among forwards.

In the post-season, Matte added two points (1 G, 1 A) and 7 PIM in four games before the Cougars were defeated in the Western Conference quarter-final.

In May of 2009, Matte signed with the Ontario Reign (ECHL) and was on their training camp roster but did not make the final cut.

Matte described himself this way in an article published last summer:

"I'm powerful in the corners. I can get the puck in front of the net...I'm strong in front of the net. I'm fast and I can hit. I'm not scared to drop the mitts once in a while and I can score some goals."

Here's a YouTube video of a fight between Matte and Vancouver Giants defenseman Mike Berube from March 20, 2009:

Photo Credits: Top/Paul Clarke Photos; Bottom: Prince George Cougars