"Athletic excellence, academic achievement, community service." This is the philosophy of the Plattsburgh Athletic Department, but the Cardinals hockey team really takes the community service motto to heart.
Coach Bob Emery says, "Our players need to know it's a privilege to play here and once they become a member of the team, I think my job as a coach is not only to teach them how to win, but to teach them life lessons."
That's why the entire team is actively involved with the North Country Down Syndrome Association... A relationship that began several years ago, and brought a very special member to the Cardinals hockey team, Assistant Equipment Manager Matt Thomson... But you can call him Matty.
Thomson has a busy day and says he comes to the rink after work. "Usually I bring the pucks out, bring the cones out, hang the board up, fill the bottles up during practice, and also during the home games. I really enjoy it, I really do."
The team enjoys Matty just as much. Sophomore Goaltender Sam Foley is Matty's buddy, picking him up for games and practice. He says Matty's more than a manager. He's a friend, their number one fan, and sometimes their number one critic.
Foley says, "Matty likes to get on the boys, especially me. The other day for example, in practice I let a pretty weak goal in. Matty has no problem letting me know when I've gotta pick it up, and I like that. He's very competitive. When he's ready to go, he comes to games just as pumped up as any of the guys."
One of the other players with a buddy is Sophomore Forward Nick Jensen. He works with Brett Rotz, a guy he knows is always behind the bench to support him.
Jensen says, "It's fun, he sits right behind our bench. When we come out there, we know he's there. If we had a bad shift, he'll tell us. He'll scream through the glass. If we had a good shift or we score a goal, he's right there. It's a lot of fun, you'll see him every game."
Brett Rotz says, "I come to hockey games because it's my favorite season. I like to watch hockey, it's so much fun."
It means a lot to Brett and Matty to have guys like Nick and Sam around, but the players say they're the one who truly benefit from having Brett and Matty as part of the Cardinals family.
Jensen enjoys having Matty as a manager and says, "He's just a joy to have around. Every time we come for a home game he's right there. Sometimes he gives a short speech or sometimes a little dance move. It's great, the guys love it."
Matty's there every day, day in and day out, just to help us win. That's the ultimate goal He's a great guy to have on the bench and a great influence on the boys," says Foley.
A good influence on the Cardinals, who have built a lasting legacy in the community.
By Ashley Chase
