Every year brings new Imports to the Team. Some come for a Season and some stay - but they all make an impact on the Players and the Brave Family.
Warren Price caught up with 2018 Goaltender Matt Hewitt for a chat to find out about his memories of Australia and what he had been doing since 2018..
How did you first hear about the Brave and what made you choose to come over to Australia?
I caught wind of a few players I previously played with and against heading Down Under. All had nothing but good things to say. I was looking for an adventure, this opportunity felt right.
As I was coming to the end of my University days I was searching the League more online. At first I was in touch with a few teams to suss out the vibes and see what everyone had to over.
The Brave caught my attention from the start. I remember seeing the fans with face paint on the site and an intro video on roller blades that got me fired up.
I had a good feeling about the Brave organization from the start and once I chatted with Rob Starke that solidified things pretty quick. Management was super-awesome accommodating us, they took such great care of me, they set us up with the things to be successful and had supplied the proper setup I needed to perform.
I can’t thank them enough for all they did for me.
What were your first impressions of the Brave Cave - and the standard of hockey in Australia ?
My mind was blown when I first walked into the Cave. I never imagined anything like it. It was tough to picture how a Home Game was going to go down.
The first Ice time was really interesting, it took some time to adjust to the settings, especially having no glass was something to get used to. Once I got a good feel and adjusted I absolutely loved it.
When we finally got to our first game, I was electrified by all the energy that circulates walking into the Cave from the change room. I love that walk in – a moment to take a few breaths of crisp outdoor air before entering, knowing you’re walking into an electrified building with our Brave family fans that welcome you back with roars, tunes pumping, you get so fired up to be back. I’m surprised the Roof hasn’t blown off yet!
Wow, it gives me goosebumps thinking about it. Miss it.
I loved competing in the AIHL, everyone was improving and battling hard each game, I was caught off guard how good of puck I was up against, I highly respect the talent and competion.
You had an amazing regular season - being top of the League for GAA and Save Percentage? Any stand out moments or games?
It felt really good to have a consistent season. I feel good about the numbers I was putting up as I wanted to compete to win games and individually be the best goalie. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the team – a huge part of those numbers is how well we played together. It goes to show how good a team we were going by those numbers.
Every game that season was standout for me. I’ll never forget playing in the Cave for the first time. It was great playing on the road and seeing our fans travel with the team, the support was tremendous and went a long way.
I loved when we scored goals! The post goal Bench fly-by celebration, we had our handshakes down pat and it felt like a dance routine when the fellas funnelled through to me at the end of the line. That was a lot of fun to be a part of and added some spice!
What was the atmosphere in the Brave Cave like to play in ?
Electric! Whoop - there it is!!!
Love the buzz in the Cave, couldn’t get enough of it. Every time I think about stepping foot into the cave, receiving a line of high fives n’ good vibes from the fans, stepping onto the ice, and making a save, the energy circulates through me and gives me shivers down the spine.
I thought the cool part of having no glass is that it brought the fans into the action and it was always great having that interaction.
You and Alex had a great goalie tandem with Alex honouring your number 92 by wearing number 29? What was that like and do you still keep in touch ?
It was really special sharing the Net with Tets. Right from the start we clicked and we built off that momentum all season.
We became Brothers. It takes a lot of pressure off your shoulders when you know your partner has your back. It didn’t matter who was in Net - we had each other’s best interest and we pushed each other to be better and did what it took to help our team win.
Throughout the season we would mix in some Goalie sessions during the afternoon spare Ice, and we would bond over some lunch at the Food Court and then occasionally grab some drinks at Moose! I’m stoked to see how Tets has progressed and continues to shut the door.
We have been staying in touch. I chatted with Tets last before the Brave were heading into Finals weekend this past season. It meant a lot to me that he thought of me and took the time to reach out to chat things over. I knew he was dialled and ready to bring the Cup home after our chat. Such a gem!
What feelings did the Team have going into Finals weekend?
From what I remember it was calm, cool and collected. We had put in the work throughout the Regular Season, did the preparation for this moment, we were ready to bring it home.
A moment that stood out was I was going through a regular work week, one day Chris Levielle suggested I take the day off and attend a hot Yoga session with him. Having that time to take for ourselves to get a good flow and sweat really got me in a good mindset and I felt great after that session. Chris was good at creating a confident mindset and that helped going into the weekend, telling ourselves that we are going to win - nothing can get in our way.
You and the team started the Grand Final off strongly but then the Second Period was all Bears. What was going through your mind in the Dressing Rooms after the Second Period and during the Third Period chasing a goal back?
Stepping off the Ice after the Second Period being down a goal was tough. We thought the game was going our way at first, it was hard to believe the quick turnaround. We crumbled and you could feel the tension created from the nerves in the room once we first got off the Ice!
During the intermission we took some time to breathe, gather ourselves and we reassured each other we are going to do what it takes to get back into the game.
We knew we had what it takes to get back into this Game. When Levs (Chris Levielle) scored the game tying goal it was a sigh of relief - the belief paid off and we knew it was ours to take.
Run me through that Overtime goal - from the save you made and then watching from between the pipes seeing Trevor slot it in. What were you were feeling like after it went in?
This is one of the greatest moments I’ve gotten to be a part of!
The amount of joy that goal brought into my life and the lives of all of us was felt so deeply in the heart. I couldn’t believe it. The Bears were relentless, once Trevor solidified it for us it was a major relief and I was so happy for everyone. I’m so grateful I got to be a part of that experience with the Brave family.
It was extra special my Parents and Sister were attending and part of it. That’ll always be a special memory and is one of my all-time favourite hockey accomplishments.
Did you get to see a lot of Australia while you were here? What were some favourite places you visited?
It was great getting to play in different cities, travelling in and out of each area was really neat.
I was fortunate to be able to go on some trips throughout the season. I’m super thankful the team supported me to take some time off to go explore Australia. We rented an Airbnb in Perth after our weekend games, that was a great weekend with the fellas. We spent a lot of time at the beach and going for dinners and dancing.
Byron Bay, I love it there! I found the beach was magical and I really enjoyed the community vibes. I remember moments in the waves while the sun was beaming beautifully, good energy. I remember driving through Nimbin on the way there and that was a neat earthly experience.
Mitch Henning took me on a trip too - that was a great time exploring the island and trying to surf. We stayed with his parents which was super awesome and welcoming.
Any foods that you had in Australia that you wish that they had over in Canada?
The Pies!! And I’d take Bayley and Wombat’s cooking. Weapons!
The import house was always pumping – we had such good vibes there! It was open door to all the Team Members to come hang whenever. We would make dinners together and have the guys over to play Mario Kart. We’d then sometimes head out to do some dancing, those nights were always a blast.
What have you been up to since your stint here with the Brave in 2018?
Since my time with the Brave I have shifted focus into Firefighting. I got my certifications done in Texas not to long after following the hockey season in Australia.
I was planning to play in New Zealand for the next season – that’s when COVID hit and put an end to that!
I’ve enjoyed Yoga and got my Teacher Training, and this past winter I travelled and lived in Mexico.
Unfortunately I haven’t had much opportunity to lace them up again. It’s a tough thing to conclude but it seems it might be time to hang them up for good. I’m grateful for everything Hockey has given me. I’ve made many amazing connections and I’m thankful for all the lessons I’ve endured.
I’m currently employed as a Wildland Firefighter in British Columbia. It has been challenging at times but I really enjoy being in the bush working with a team of great people. We do what we can to help nature and our communities.
It’s unfortunate to see how things are heating up around the world. I’ve been keeping tabs on the fires happening there – who knows, maybe I’ll get a chance to come down someday to help put water on the hot stuff.
Other than that I’ve always had it in mind to do some Goalie Coaching. It would be great to get involved in hockey again – especially back in Australia!
Any final thoughts or reflections on your time here in Canberra and Australia ?
I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to come to Canberra and be a part of the Brave family!
Everyone was so open and welcoming. There was never a dull moment, had some of the best times.
This experience lives close to my heart. I’ve made memories and connections of a lifetime. I can’t thank everyone enough that was a part of this journey.
I really hope to make it back one day to reconnect and relive the glory days!
ICE DOGS
RHINOS
ADRENALINE
BEARS
THUNDER
ICE
BRAVE
LIGHTNING
NORTHSTARS
MUSTANGS
