Ontario Junior Hockey League resident reporter Ron Valentine is profiling the team captains of The OJ this fall.

BY RON VALENTINE

MATT BUMSTEAD (Photo by Tim Bates /  OJHL Images) had the puck just inside the Brooks Bandits' blueline and passed to fellow defenceman Nick Minerva, who, by his own admission, closed his eyes and blasted the puck goalwards to give the COBOURG COUGARS an upset 3-2 overtime win that made them Royal Bank Cup champions on their own ice in 2016.

Great memories, recalls Matt, who is back for his fourth and final campaign for the Cougars and like last season he is a co-Captain – this time with speedy forward George Miranda.

It would sure be nice to emulate that feat this season, Matt says, but it's very early yet! However, he likes the mix of veterans and youth that comprise this year's squad. Buying into JD's (Head Coach Jerome Dupont's) system is important, he says, he is a proven top quality bench boss who demands a high standard from his players. 

Matt is a somewhat “laid back” Captain in the dressing room but does not hesitate to speak up when the need arises. He had a “breakthrough” last season in the points department, he proudly points out, while admitting he accumulated a few points (four goals and two assists) from being the “big body” in front of the net on the Cougars' powerplay.

Defence, leadership, toughness and positional play are his main assets, he notes – attributes not sometimes recognized by all the scouting fraternity but Matt is looking forward to furthering his education and playing hockey after this season.

Being a co-captain works well for Matt and the Cougars with, in some situations, two heads being better than one, he notes. He leans on his experience in the league to set the example, especially for the younger players on the club.

Matt sees great potential in two players this season in rookie George Krotiris, 16, who comes off a big midget campaign in the North York Rangers organization and is a very quick and elusive skater and knows where the net is, and Mackenzie Dobson, 19, on the blueline who is set to make a major impact with one season under his belt for the team. He scored a goal, his first in the OJHL in game one this campaign.

Whether we will see Matt in Brooks, Alberta next Spring in quest of a second national championship or not, one sure thing is that his leadership will go a long way to contributing to the club's success this season.  

Follow Ron Valentine on Twitter @ronandlynda