Scott Matzka has told skysports.com he's honoured to be selected to play against the NHL's Boston Bruins in Belfast next month.
American preparing for NHL extravaganza
Cardiff Devils number-one centre Scott Matzka has told
skysports.com he's honoured to be selected to play against the NHL's Boston Bruins in Belfast next month.
The Bruins will play the Belfast Giants Elite League Selects in the Odyssey Arena on October 2 and American forward Matzka was recently selected alongside EIHL veteran Corey Neilson and Sheffield player-coach Ben Simon.
Matzka, 32, has played most of his career in Europe after a couple of years in the North American leagues and was hoping to be a part of the Bruins game since the summer.
"It's exciting - I knew about the game at the time I signed," Matzka told
skysports.com.
"I didn't know what the selection process would be and I told my parents and brother about the possibility. I remember it actually falls on the Ryder Cup weekend, so I was thinking, 'Maybe I'll be playing against Boston or hopefully at the Ryder Cup.' I guess it'll be the game in Boston!
Surprised
"I went to NHL training camp and did a stint in the American Hockey League and it'll be a pretty cool experience to play against those guys."
Matzka was selected for the EIHL representatives by the coaching team of Doug Christiansen, Gerad Adams and Paul Thompson despite limited practice and not having played a competitive game in the UK.
Matzka's reputation preceded him and references from his previous teams were strong enough to convince the coaches to add him to the line-up.
"I guess the selection is based on my résumé, my past accomplishments and where I've played," Matzka continued.
"I was surprised by that. I thought I'd have to get off to a good start and put a good couple of weeks in, but it is quite an honour to get picked, especially that early."
Coventry Blaze duo Luke Fulghum and Jonathan Weaver and Belfast pair Jon Gleed and Colin Shields are the other players selected so far.
