By Frankie Benvenuti/ottawa67s.com
After a treacherous day of travelling on Friday, battling the snowy conditions, the Matier family finally reached Halifax, where they saw Jack Matier play in the World Juniors for the first time.
Forced to do nothing more than sit and wait on the plane as a snowstorm blasted Ontario, Mark (Jack’s father), Stacey (mother), and Tanner (brother), found themselves already too late to make it on time for the pre-tournament game against Finland, and shifted their hopes. All they wanted was to make Halifax early enough that they could see Jack after the game, and luckily, the storm was in the holiday spirit, and allowed that to happen.
“It was just a proud moment,” Mark said, talking about seeing Jack after the game. “It’s just such a big stage for any player to represent Team Canada. It’s super exciting, and Halifax is just buzzing right now. It’s overwhelming, but there’s a lot of pride from the point of view of Stacey and I.”
It’s just the most recent of proud moments in the Matier family, but a significant one, to be sure. Mark still vividly remembers when he found out his son had made the team, and says it happened at the grocery store. He recalls the song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” playing, when he received a text from Jack, reading “I made it Dad,” with a heart at the end.
“It was a very proud moment,” Mark said, unable to find a more fitting word. “It was emotional. Obviously, we were pulling for him, and it’s a great opportunity that he has earned. He has worked so hard.”
The text brought relief for Mark, but he says that it was much the same for Jack. Sharing a room with Gatineau Olympiques’ forward, Zach Dean, Mark says the pair were pacing around the room, waiting for any news, and hoping it would be positive.
Eventually, that good news did come for both, and the celebrations with loved ones were set to begin. With one text message to his Dad, Jack sent the entire Matier family into party mode.
There is plenty of uncertainty about what is to come as Matier represents Canada, but there’s no question about the support system making the trip. Alongside Mark, Stacey, Tanner, Jack’s grandparents, an uncle, and a handful of friends are making the trip east, and you should be expecting to hear them.
We are off to the rink! Thanks to all family and friends for your support over the years! Go get ‘em’ Jack ❤️❤️?????? pic.twitter.com/OM8nsz9mI8
— Mark Matier (@MarkMatier2) December 26, 2022
While with the 67’s, the Barber Poles’ trips to Sault Ste. Marie and Niagara always see a spattering of Matier jerseys in the stands, as the family makes the trip. It’s never hard to find them – it’s the group cheering loudly whenever Jack is on the ice.
There’s no greater reflection of their pride and support for Jack, and the World Juniors will be no different for the stout defenceman.
Proud brother! Jack’s biggest fan! Go Canada Go! ??❤️? pic.twitter.com/f0rynqjX0Q
— Mark Matier (@MarkMatier2) December 26, 2022
Jack’s family was just as proud and excited when he played for Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2021, where he gained his first experience playing for Canada. The World Juniors, however, offer an incredibly different experience.
“It’s another level,” Mark said. “This is the best of the best. The best 19-year-olds in the world are all competing for that gold medal, but Jack has certainly worked his way up. This was one of his goals at the start of the season.”
Mark has been able to offer a helping hand through personal experience for most of Jack’s hockey life, having played in the OHL in the early 90s, but this time, Jack is venturing into untested waters. Mark has previously tried out for the Canadian World Junior roster, but he was cut, ending his U20 dream.
His only chance came later down the line, while he was playing with St. Francis Xavier University, when he was chosen for Team Canada, in a one-game championship against the Americans. Still, Mark knows how hard it is to make the World Junior roster, which only adds reason to be proud of what Jack has already accomplished.
“With my background, I know what it takes, and I know how extremely difficult it is to make this team,” Mark said. “Jack has the size and the skill, but he’s also extremely coachable, and I think that may have been one of the factors in making the team. He will accept any role the coach gives him.”
With the Barber Poles this season, Jack has settled in, and has continued his growth in the defensive end. But as he has gotten more comfortable, he has become more involved offensively, currently on pace to smash his previous career highs in both goals and points. Mark credits all of the coaches that have worked with Jack while in Ottawa, as well as the players he has worked with, saying he’s surrounded by people who want to see him succeed.
“The [coaches in Ottawa] have been fantastic with putting Jack in a position to succeed,” Mark said. “He had a lot of guys to look up to [along the way], with Noel Hoefenmayer, Kevin Bahl, Nikita Okhotyuk, [and others], so everything started in year one.”
Matier and his Canadian teammates look to recover from a tournament-opening loss to Czechia on Wednesday when they face Germany in Halifax at 6:30pm ET on TSN.
