Waywayseecappo Wolverines graduating defenseman, Matthew Kasowski has committed to play for the Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) for the 2020-21 season.
Kasowski was acquired in a late offseason trade last summer from the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) and spent one season with the Wolverines where he immediately stepped into a leadership role with the team both on and off the ice.
“It felt really good,” Kasowski said of his commitment to play for the Thunder. “It was a huge relief that I finally had a certainty of what I was going to do and where I was going to go for my post-secondary education.”
Growing up just north of Edmonton in St. Albert, Matthew will have a chance to play in front of family and friends with Concordia being in such close proximity to home. It’s something that was a big selling point in coming to a decision on where to play.
“It means a lot and I am looking forward to it. It is an added bonus and it’s great that I can make it a little easier on my parents to see me play without them having to book flights.”
In 47 regular-season games with the Wolverines, Kasowski was as steady as they come on the back end, scoring 8 goals while adding 13 assists. He also suited up in all three playoff games recording 1 assist.
“I know there was a lot of turnover from the start of the year to trade deadline, but I truly believe that the team we had at the trade deadline was and still is something special,” Kasowski shared about the playoffs coming to an abrupt ending with the unknown of what could have happened.
“Also in other junior seasons, I was plagued with injuries and this past season it was great to get over that and really have the chance to flourish without any major injuries.”
As a player who came from the AJHL and didn’t know too much about the league or province, he certainly made the most of his opportunities and holds his time with the Wolverines in high regard.
“We showed the community and the league that the Wolverines are only getting stronger. Moving up for the past three seasons, I have confidence it’ll improve next year too.”
“I’d also say from living in urban areas all my life and then moving out to Rossburn and Waywayseecappo, it’s almost a blessing in disguise as there isn’t a whole lot of distractions for you not to get better, in the gym or on ice and to hang out with the guys and get that close-knit group we had.”
While hockey is important to Kasowski, so is getting an education. The now 21-year-old has narrowed down what he will be focusing on in the classroom and shared what he’s looking forward to as he turns the page.
“I’ll be taking a bachelor of business with a focus on marketing. I’m most looking forward to a new chapter in my life. Junior hockey was one chapter and I’m just excited and honored to be able to start my next chapter with Concordia,” Kasowski concluded.