Altona’s Matthew Thiessen is having a solid start to the 2023-24 season in goal for the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs (UMD). The 6’2” netminder currently boasts a 1-1-1 record with a .891 save percentage with Duluth, as we are still in the season’s early stages.
Although he played in the Altona minor program, Thiessen got his start in hockey in the small northern community of Lynn Lake, Manitoba, where he skated a few times as a child. He only played organized hockey once he moved to Altona in grade one. And soon after, he found himself in the net.
“I was supposed to go to some tournament as a player, but the other goalie was sick, so I ended up getting thrown in there because I had played before,” said Thiessen. “But apparently, I was crying my eyes out because I didn’t want to play goalie. I guess I did pretty good, though, because I stuck with it and enjoyed it ever since!”
Thiessen credits growing up in Altona as being very important to his development as a top goaltending prospect.
“Growing up here in Altona and playing against teams like Carman, MacDonald, Morden, and Winkler, it was always really competitive, and there were plenty of battles with them over the years,” said Thiessen. “It was also nice growing up and getting to play with your buddies, building relationships through hockey that you’ll have for life.”
Thiessen had his big breakthrough with the MJHL’s Steinbach Pistons in 2017-18. His play was nothing short of spectacular as he boasted a .923 save percentage and a 2.06 goals-against average. He posted a .944 save percentage en route to his team winning the league championship and then the ANAVET Cup.
Thiessen’s season was so good in Steinbach that he was selected at the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks in the seventh round (192nd overall). After a year with Dubuque of the USHL, Thiessen moved on to college, where he has spent three seasons at the University of Maine.
He then joined the University of Minnesota-Duluth last season and has been successful at the college level.
“I love it here in Duluth as not only is it a little closer to home, but we also play in a great conference against high-end competition every night. It was a pretty easy transition for me because of the strong culture that we have in Duluth and the amazing teammates that I have as well. I have been splitting the net here still to start the season with the other goalie, but it’s been good to be able to get into games when my number is called and try to do whatever I can for the team.”
Last week, Thiessen received the NCHC Goaltender of the Week award for his strong play in his past two games. Thiessen was called into action off the bench last weekend against the University of Minnesota and delivered two strong performances, including making a career-high 47 saves in a 3-3 overtime tie. Thiessen also denied both shots he faced in the ensuing shootout as UMD won.
Thiessen finished the series with 55 saves and a .948 save percentage while posting a 2.40 goals-against average. He upped his season save percentage to .891 and lowered his season GAA to 3.44 in four outings with a 1-1-1 record.
While he’s having lots of success on the ice, Thiessen, his teammates, and his school’s hockey program as a whole are still reeling from the loss of Adam Johnson, a former Bulldog, who tragically passed away during a professional hockey game in England a few weeks back when his neck was cut by the skate of an opposing player.
“It has obviously been an extremely hard time for the entire Bulldog family with the passing of Adam,” said Thiessen. “I didn’t know him personally, but by hearing all the stories, not only about him as a hockey player, but also just how awesome of a teammate, friend and person he was. Our entire team and staff, along with many alumni, were able to attend the service in Hibbing yesterday and hear some amazing memories and stories of Adam, but it was definitely an emotional service to be at. My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family and friends and everyone affected by his passing.”
Since Johnson’s passing, there has been significant movement in the hockey world regarding making neck guards mandatory in all hockey leagues worldwide.
“I have always worn a neck guard, and I will always be wearing a neck guard to protect myself the best from sticks, shots and skates. Many of my teammates have also been wearing neckguards, and I believe it will continue to influence more and more hockey players to do so as well.”
After Thiessen graduates from college this year with a degree in Marketing, he has his sights set on a professional hockey career. He currently doesn’t know exactly what his plans are but hopes to continue to keep playing hockey at the next level and see how far he can go at the pro level.
“That’s always been my dream and goal, and I will continue to work hard to try and accomplish it.”
