Matthew Galajda ’15 is the latest in a string of Saints Hockey players to receive an NCAA D1 scholarship.
On August 28, Matthew accepted a scholarship to Cornell University for the 2017-18 season. To say he is thrilled is an understatement.
“It has been a dream of mine since minor hockey to get a scholarship to play NCAA Division 1 hockey,” says Matthew, who is in pre-season play with the Victoria Grizzlies, a Junior A team with the British Columbia Hockey League. It is his second season playing net for the team.
Cornell, the Ivy League school in New York, was at the top of his list of choices. It not only has a stellar reputation for academics, but also a rich hockey history with graduates that include acclaimed NHL goal tender Ken Dryden and, more recently, Ben Scrivens.
Matt says he is thankful for the “perfect environment” SAC provided, one that included supportive teachers, teammates, and of course, parents. He credits SAC’s Hockey program and coaches David Manning, Geoff Brennagh, and Joel Morrissey for preparing him well for the opportunity. John Murray, Strength and Conditioning coach, “was a key factor in getting me ready for the next level,” he adds.
That degree of support has also helped other SAC athletes attract the attention of D1 schools stateside. Recently, offers have been made to Varsity Hockey players Corey Andonovski ’17 (Harvard); Ryan O’Connell '17 (Boston University); Morgan Barron ’17 (Cornell); and former player Mitch Martan ’16 (Boston College).
For younger SAC players looking to get noticed, Matthew offers this advice: “Work hard, listen to your coaches, and be patient. NCAA schools are interested in establishing a relationship because not only do they look at hockey, they look at your character and work ethic.”
Story by Cindy Veitch
