#13 – Forward/Defence
Matt’s story is one of grit, heart, and an unshakable will to keep going. After a Sunday night game, he suffered a sudden heart attack and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Doctors placed an emergency stent, and he spent the next day in the ICU — sedated, intubated, and fighting for his life.
But Matt didn’t stay down.
With determination, strength, and the support of those around him, he battled his way back. His journey from that terrifying night to stepping onto the ice again is a testament to resilience and the power of the hockey community.
Today, he skates in the DAWG Nation Survivor Game not just as a player, but as a survivor — a reminder that even in our hardest moments, the human spirit can rise, recover, and inspire everyone watching.