Land of Leaders

Manitoba has been developing more than their fair share of leaders! –

Mathew Bodie (NCAA D1) and Colin Hekle (ACHA D1) each captained their college teams to National Championships in 2013-14.  Normally this would not be earth shattering news but in this case it is.  Why, you ask?  These two captains are both from Winnipeg, Manitoba.  

NCAA –

The NCAA has 59 teams in Division 1 hockey and last season there were 17 Manitobans playing hockey south of the border at D1 schools.  Once again not an earth shattering statistic until you factor in that of the approximately 1200 NCAA D1 hockey players, 17 were from Manitoba and of those 17 … 5 were captains! NOW that is quite a remarkable number.  One of those captains was Winnipeg’s, Mathew Bodie.

About Mathew Bodie:

Achievements

1.  2007-08  Telus Cup Silver Medal with Winnipeg Thrashers (Captain) 

2.  2007-08  Telus Cup “MVP” and “Top Defenceman” (Winnipeg Thrashers)

3.  2010-11  All-ECAC All-Rookie Team (Union College)

4.  2011-12  All-ECAC First Team and AHCA Second Team All-American (Union College)

5.  2012-13 All-ECAC Third Team  (Union College)

6.  2013-14  All-ECAC First Team and AHCA First Team All-American (Union College)

7.  2014  ECAC and NCAA All-Tournament Team (Union College)

8.  2014  NCAA D1 National Championship with Union College (Captain)

Mat was named the team captain in his junior year at Union College (3rd and 4th seasons).  He also set a school record for scoring by a defenceman.  

League: NCAA D1     Team: Union College Dutchmen

Number: 22   

Position:  Def    Shoots:  Left
DOB:  Mar. 7, 1990   Born:  Winnipeg, MB
Height:  6′  Weight:  165 

2010-14 Stats:  Games: 154   G: 28  A: 96   Pts: 124   PIM: 149

Pro Status: Signed a pro contract with the New York Rangers on April 15 of 2014.

Mat Bodie captained the Union College Dutchmen to a NCAA D1 Championship

ACHA –

The ACHA has 57 teams in Division 1 hockey.  The ACHA offers an opportunity for college hockey programs that struggle with large budgets as an alternative to the NCAA. (non-scholarship programs).  Colin Hekle was named team captain in his sophomore year at ASU and lead them to an ACHA D1 Champion in 2013-14.

About Colin Hekle: 

Achievements

1.  2006-07  MMJHL Championship with the Charleswood Hawks

2.  2008-09  MMJHL Championship with the Charleswood Hawks (Captain)

3.  2009-10  MMJHL   Championship with the Charleswood Hawks (Captain)

4.  2011-12  Named 3rd Star in  the ACHA All-Star Game

5.  2013-14  ACHA D1 National Championship with ASU Sun Devils (Captain)

League: ACHA D1     Team: Arizona State University Sun Devils 

Number: 15   

Position:  Fwd    Shoots:  Right
DOB: Aug. 24, 1988   Born:  Winnipeg, MB
Height:  6’4  Weight:  200 

2010-14 Stats:  Games: 139   G: 88  A: 92   Pts: 180   PIM: 188

Pro Status: Will be attending the training camp of the Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL.

Colin Hekle captained the ASU Sun Devils to a ACHA D1 National Championship

Both of these players have taken a different route in furthering their hockey careers both culminating with National Championships in their respective leagues.  Mat Bodie will be on his way to New York Rangers camp later this month and will probable end up playing in the AHL with the Hartford Wolfpack or in the ECHL with the Greenville Road Warriors.  Colin Hekle will be attending the Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL) training camp in October, looking to start a pro career.

Listen to Mat and Colin talk about their College Hockey careers here:

The Colin Hekle interview starts the podcast and the Mat Bodie interview starts at the 18:40 mark.

Other Notable Captains from Manitoba

NCAA D1

1.  Matt Bailey (Oakbank) – U of Alaska-Anchorage

2.  Stephane Pattyn (Ste. Anne) – University of North Dakota

3.  Peter Stoykewych (Winnipeg) – Colorado College

4.  Steven Shamanski ( Carberry) – Providence College

NHL 

1.  Jonathon Toews (Winnipeg) – Chicago Blackhawks

2.  Bryce Salvador (Brandon) – New Jersey Devils

Welcome to Friendly Manitoba

            Land of Leaders

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