.You may have noticed that Rider defenseman Matthew Carr was out of the line-up last weekend and didn’t play against Creston. Matt was not injured or anything like that he was in Langley where he played two games for the Junior “A” Rivermen of the BCHL. Carr played 9 games last season with the Ghostriders as an affiliate and this season as a full time player has improved so much over the course of the year he is likely in the running for the Ghostriders Rookie of the Year or the Most Improved Player award at the end of the season. This is Matt’s 17 year old season and he is just the right age to break into the BCHL next season as an 18 year old. We asked Matt about his time in Langley, here’s what he had to say.
RN- Matt how did it go in Langley? Carr “It was a great experience for me to develop as a player. The whole Rivermen organization treated me amazing. I knew most of the team members from summer training and tryout camp last year, which gave me a sense of comfort to play my game. During my week up, I attended their full program including River-school, workouts, practice and two regular season games.
RN- Did they give you much ice and how did you play? Carr “I thought I played well during both games. The first game I played, I was a +1 in a 3 to 2 loss to Cowichan Valley. I was also very fortunate to be given so much playing time in the second game against Surrey. However we lost in double overtime 3 to 2 and once again I was a +1. I valued my time I got on the penalty kill and my short time on the third power-play unit”.
RN Was it much different there.
Carr “In the games I played I noticed that it is very structured hockey and it helped showcase my style of play and vision on the ice. The Rivermen coaching staff said that I played very solid defensively on the weekend and could see me being a BCHL impact player in the near future. Overall it was a successful weekend to gain experience and show my style of game to the coaching staff and some NCAA scouts”.
Langley Assistant Coach Bobby Henderson had this to say about Matt's time in the BCHL
Matt came in and played like a well seasoned veteran this weekend. He is a great skater, very smart positionally and makes good decisions when moving the puck. We expect Matt to make the transition smoothly to Jr A next season.
