By Chris Good

Question:  In an interview from last July, you said, “The reason why I want to play another season is to win a championship. The reason that I want to return to Danville is because there is a solid base here as an organization and as a city that supports its team. Coach Harrison did a great job taking over the team last season. He made us a championship contender and the fans responded with their support. Last season Danville made the turn into a very solid franchise and became a place where players want to play. With the momentum gained from last season, a solid core of returning players and top young talent, I believe that we can and that we will win a championship.” 
Those were your thoughts then.  How do you feel now several months later, almost halfway through the season?

Matt Anthony:  I still feel the same.  I believed in this group before the season started and still do.  We’ve proven we’re a top team in the league.  It’s difficult playing on top, though.  Everyone wants to beat you.  We have to be ready every night; we can’t take a night off.  I feel like we have to prove ourselves because even with the disparity in the standings, every team is strong.  There hasn’t been an easy game for us. From last year to this year we’ve learned how to respond to different challenges, though.

Q:  Last year your stats in 42 games were 21-16-4 with 3.57 GAA and .897 save percentage.  This year in 23 games your record is 17-5-0. You’re sitting atop the league in all the categories:  Minutes (1278.44), Wins (17), Shutouts (3), GAA (2.67), Saves (745), and Save Percentage (.929%).  In addition, you were the Pro Hockey News Goaltender of the Month for November and most recently the Sons of Hockey Star of the Week.  To what do you contribute this success?

MA:  The numbers reflect the quality of the team as a whole.  No goalie wins games on his own.  The great job the team has done protecting our defensive-zone has made my job easier.  We’ve learned and grown from last year.
Personally, I spend lots of time preparing in the off season.  This summer I put in the same amount of training, but I worked smarter.  For the first time I used a goalie-specific online training program that helped me work on specific techniques.  Always before I would tweak various programs and create my own training, so this was a bit of a risk but it paid off.  I’m happy with the progress I’ve made, and it’s made for a smoother transition from off ice to on ice.

Q:  Last year the team started out slowly, losing the first 5 games.  You didn’t have consecutive wins until games 12 and 13 and didn’t start winning consistently until January.  This year you won the first 5 games, have only lost 6 games total and have had 5- and 8-game winning streaks.  This is a pretty striking difference considering the roster is largely unchanged.  What are your thoughts as to the turnaround?

MA:  It starts with Coach Harrison.  He inherited a team that needed a lot of work, and it takes time, as he always says, ‘to work within the process.’  Last year early on we were in every game but we struggled to find wins.  We found ways to win last season, and the momentum from last year has carried into this season.  But this is only possible because of Coach Harrison. He’s great; he has experience and he has confidence in this group.  In the beginning last year he could have cleaned house, as some organizations have a tendency to do, but he didn’t.  He’s calm and doesn’t have a sense of panic.  He believes in sticking with the process and he believes in us.  That makes us, in turn, respect him and want to work for him.

Q:  The one team you’ve struggled with consistently is Danbury, and you play them a couple times coming up here.  What is it about their team that gives the Dashers trouble and how do you plan to counter that?

MA:  We have to be at the top of our game.  If we have any weaknesses, they expose us.  They are a hard-working team and they play a different style of game than other teams.  We know they’re a challenge and these games coming up are big games.

Q:  Your job requires intense concentration.  Is there anything specifically you do during the game to help you maintain your focus and concentration?

MA:  Game day preparation starts the night before.  I do my routine.  I practice and train hard.  When I do that, it gives me confidence and makes it easier to concentrate on the right things.  On game day I do my routines at the rink also to get my body and mind ready.  On the ice I work to stay sharp and I talk a lot, as much as possible.  Talking helps my mind work quicker and it helps my teammates. Instead of them having a 180-degree sightline, talk can be the eyes in the back of their head.  If I feel I’ve lost focus for a second and need to regroup, I have a couple of keywords to re-focus.  Also, I always like to know where opposing players are on the ice to help read the play.

Q:  If it were possible, what would the 31-year old Matt Anthony tell yourself at age 24 just starting your pro career?

MA:  Enjoy it, enjoy everything.  Play because you love to and not because you have to.  You can’t get discouraged if your goals get sidetracked.  Take care of your body and recover properly.

Q:  What’s the best advice you have ever received?

MA:  A goalie coach told me that whenever I step on the ice, focus on each puck.  Stop every puck, and treat every puck as tenaciously as in a game.  So that’s what I try to do.
Aside from that, I read a lot, and I’m constantly picking up advice from athletes and high performers that I incorporate.

Q:  What’s the most common question fans ask you?

MA:  [Laughs] A lot of people are surprised I’m the goalie.  
Kids usually ask me if pucks hurt.  I tell them I have lots of padding but I still feel them.

Q:  In your opinion, what qualities are needed to become a successful goalie?

MA:  Concentration is a big one, a strong work ethic, and being a team player.  I would also add that having OCD tendencies doesn’t hurt, whether it’s learned or not, as long as you use it to your benefit.  Routines are supposed to help you, not imprison you.  It’s a fine line between them.  When a routine controls you, you have to draw the line.

Q:  Is there anything else you would like to add?

MA:  I’m happy with the season so far.  We have a lot of work to do still.  I’d like to thank the fans for your support.  We’ve had good crowds at home, and it’s been fun to play here.