Matt Piva IceDogs Breakout Player of the Year?

Matt Piva had to clear league waivers to become a member of this year’s version of the Niagara Ice Dogs.  Life in the Ontario Hockey League has never been easy for this over-ager.  He spent 21 games with the Oshawa Generals in 2004/2005.  But he had to split the season with the Wellington Dukes of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League.

 

The following year, he played 59 games with the Gens and got 13 points and 58 minutes in penalties.  But then, in 2006/2007 he seemed to be on his way great things with 38 points and 69 minutes in penalties with Toronto St.Mike’s Majors.  Last year in Mississauga, he again produced respectable numbers with 35 points in 47 games.  But, rumors persisted around the league that he and the coaching staff were on different pages.  Whatever the issues, it was apparent that Piva and the Majors were headed for an irrevocable split at the end of last year.

 

Fast forward to 2008/2009 and just 4 games into this young season he already has 5 goals and 4 PIM.  In two TVCogeco interviews so far, Piva has gone to great lengths to sing the praises of his coaches, the management and his teammates.  He is playing with the man advantage, while shorthanded and in pretty much every conceivable situation the team can put him in.  And given his success thus far, this young man seems destined for a career year.

 

General Manager Dave Brown is no stranger to offering players second chances.  Witness the Aaron Snow experiment last year.  And as with Snow, when they fail, they can fail big time.  But every so often, one can be a huge success.  If the early indications mean anything, Piva is playing like a man possessed and who will do anything to prove he is indeed worthy  of one last chance.  One can only wish Matt every success as he sets out on his final year in the OHL!

 

Finally, one last thought on Saturday’s visit by the Brampton Battalion.  Matt Duchene is giving early indications that he might just very well be the next “Great One”.  With his speed, deft moves and soft hands he looks like his NHL Draft Year will be nothing less than spectacular.  A word to the wise to the Ice Dogs faithful fans.  Get out and see this young man play every chance you get this year.  It may be your last opportunity to see him outside of the NHL!