Long overdue homecoming complete as Windsor native Matwijiw joins Spitfires as goalie coach

Author of the article:

Jim Parker  •  Windsor Star

Published Jul 04, 2024  •  Last updated 15 hours ago  •  3 minute read

Windsor native Stan Matwijiw, seen at his Bandits Goalie School, has joined the Windsor Spitfires as the team’s goalie coach. (PHOTO COURTESY – DANIEL WOOLSTON) win

It’s a homecoming that’s been long overdue.

Windsor native Stan Matwijiw, who established himself as one of the top goalie coaches in the Ontario Hockey League with the Plymouth Whalers, has been hired by the Windsor Spitfires as the team’s goaltending coach.

“It’s a perfect fit for what we need,” Spitfires’ general manager Bill Bowler said. “His track record, with what he’s done with goalies in our league and he’s still dealing with all kinds of prospects, just makes it a good fit.”

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A Windsor Minor Hockey Association product, Matwijiw was never drafted into the OHL, but turned a tryout in the Western Hockey League with Prince Albert into a three-year junior stint.

“My father was a Windsor Spitfires season-ticket holder from the time I was a young boy and could barely walk,” Matwijiw said. “My sister would go until I was old enough and started going. I idolized the Windsor Spitfires and Thursday nights were the highlight of my week. Things didn’t work in OHL, but I got to play in (WHL).”

He played minor pro for four seasons before become goalie coach for the University of Michigan and establishing Bandits Hockey School, which is now in its 25th season, to mentor goalies.

Matwijiw spent seven seasons under head coach Red Berenson with the Wolverines and  helped to develop future NHL netminder Al Montoya.

He joined the Whalers in 2008 and found plenty of success in seven seasons with the team. The Whalers produced four NHL goalies under Matwijiw  in Alex Nedeljkovic, Michael Neuvirth, Scott Wedgewood and Matt Hackett.  Nedeljkovic was the OHL’s goalie of the year in 2013-14 and a two-time all-star with the Whalers while Hackett, who was traded from Windsor to Plymouth for Neuvirth, also became a league all-star.

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“Opportunity knocked with the Plymouth Whalers and I had a had a wonderful experience with (head coach and general manager) Mike Vellucci,” Matwijiw said.

He spent two seasons with Flint, after the Whalers were sold and relocated, before stepping aside for family reasons.

“I took some time away, but it was not long before the fire in my belly returned and I wanted to be back in the league,” the 50-year-old Matwijiw said.

Windsor native Stan Matwijiw, centre, is, seen working with prospects at his Bandits Goalie School. Matwijiw has joined the Windsor Spitfires as the team’s goalie coach. (PHOTO COURTESY – DANIEL WOOLSTON) win

There were talks during the ownership days of Bob Boughner and Warren Rachel for Matwijiw to join the Spitfires.

“I had discussions with the old regime, but couldn’t make it happen,” Matwijiw said.

However, when Michael Leighton stepped down as goalie coach with the Spitfires last season, Matwijiw reached out to Bowler.

“He had a lot going on, clearly, and said he wanted to hold off until the off-season to make any decisions,” Matwijiw said. “We reconnected a couple months ago.”

With Greg Walters installed as head coach, the hiring of Matwijiw completes the Spitfires’ coaching staff.

“It’s exciting,” said Matwijiw, who now lives in Michigan. “I had two long conversations (with Bowler) and I love the direction he wants to take things. It brings me back home and glad to be a pat of it.”

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The Spitfires still have a lot of confidence in Joey Costanzo, who struggled through the 2023-24 season like many of his teammates. The club has high hopes for American rookie Jake Windbiel, Michael Newlove was the top pick overall in the OHL Under-18 Draft and Carter Froggett also remains in the prospect pool.

“I truly believe in two things,” Matwijiw said. “No. 1, the goalie coach is only as good as his student. What I have always told players is I will make you the best goalie you can be. How good is that, I don’t know, only you know.

“No. 2, no two goalies are the same. At the end of the day, a guy either gets it or he doesn’t.  At the end of the day, they have to think the game well and believe you can be at that level. If you get to that level, you have the ability to play at that level. Now, can you think at that level and above?”

Walters is focused on making major improvements to the team’s defence, which allowed the most goals in the league since 2006-07 with 360 last season. You can expect Matwijiw to have just as major an impact with the goaltending.

jpparker@postmedia.com

twitter.com/winstarparker

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