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| Player Profile – Matt Rypien Next Member of Great Hockey Family Always told to ‘Believe’ Calgary Canucks rookie Matt Rypien is from an important hockey family. His cousins, including the late Rick Rypien, inspired him with their efforts on the ice. Matt takes the message to heart. “Believe. Always believe, is what Rick told me,” says Matt Rypien. The tight-knit hockey family has used that message to advance in their hockey career with Rick making it to the NHL. Rypien plays with the belief that he can succeed and, so far, he has. Invited to training camp by assistant coach Craig Mohr, he was told that there were opportunities for players like him. With a strong camp, he made the team and is one of the few players from out-of-town to make the team. Originally from Crownest Pass, he grew up in Lethbridge. “It’s quite an experience to be one of the few guys from out-of-town,” he admits. “It’s a privilege.” Describing himself as a ‘skilled grinder’, he takes his regular shift and adds in time on the penalty kill. On October 16, he used some slick dangles to slide in his first AJHL goal passed the Drumheller Dragons goaltender in a 7-5 loss. Finding his place on the team, he sees the team advancing despite the tough start to the year. “We’re a good enough team to be in the top four in the South,” he advances. On a personal level, he wants to see how far his hockey can take him. “I want to get a scholarship; I want to play until I can’t.” With the support of his family and his cousins’ message in mind, there is no telling how far Matt Rypien can go. |
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