Matt Kenny, #24, is a second year defenseman from Belleville, Ontario. Last year, he was the fourth leading scorer on the team. The second year General Arts student has continued strong offensively this season, registering 3 goals and 10 assists for 13 points, tops among Thunderwolves defenseman. He also anchors the defense with crunching body checks, steady positional play, and selfless shot blocking. He is tied for second on the team in hits with 25, tops among defenseman. Although he leads the team with 41 penalty minutes, he also leads the team with an incredible +22 rating.
MA: What are your thoughts on the team and the organization in this, its second season?
Kenny: The team itself is doing great for its second season. We have a great group of guys on the team who are all here for the same reason... to bring a championship to Thunder Bay. That wouldn't be possible without the rest of the organization which has done a incredible job building a contending team in two short years.
MA: What do you think are the differences between this year's team and last year's?
Kenny: I think the main difference this year is that we have more depth to our line up. We can role 4 lines every night, which couldn't happen all of the time last year.
MA: How do you feel you have improved as a player so far this year? What areas do you still need improvement on?
Kenny: I've really tried to work on my play in our defensive zone. I think I've come a long way from last year in that aspect... What to improve on? My skating would be the first thing... I'm still losing to Jeff Richards in the races during practice, so I've still got some work to do there!
MA: What aspect of the game do you enjoy more, offense or defense, and why?
Kenny: I'm definately a defensive guy. I'd rather hit a guy through the boards or block a shot than score a goal. A goal is just a bonus.
MA: What did you think about the team's play in the first half of the season?
Kenny: I think we can be a little more consistant. An 11-1 record isn't bad (or 9-3), but we can still play better.
MA: What are your thoughts about the competition in the Bell Canada Varsity Cup Tournament, StFX, Calgary and Toronto?
Kenny: This tournament should tell us where we stand against the rest of the country. These are three really good hockey clubs, it should be some really exciting hockey.
MA: You mentioned you like surfing? What would be the perfect trip for you
Kenny: hahaha... I've never been surfing in my life... I doubt I'd even be able to stand up on the board. A perfect trip... Mardi Gras for my birthday!
MA: Do you have any predictions for the second half of the season?
Kenny: Hopefully we can improve on our first half and have some playoff success. I have some friends in Fredericton, so hopefully they'll get to watch us play in March.
MA: What do you really love about playing for the Thunderwolves?
Kenny: Its like nowhere else in Canada. Playing in front of 3000 plus people every night is a lot of fun.
MA: Do you have any message to the Thunderwolves fans?
Kenny: Thank you for your support, we do appreciate it.