Matt Morin has grown up with ‘hockey in his blood’.  The 5’10 175lb sophomore forward grew up in Brooklyn Park, MN.  For you east coast folks, that’s a major suburb of Minneapolis/St.Paul. Les Aberman(Mighty Ducks movie’s) also hails from Brooklyn Park! Weird? A peek at Morin’s Facebook page shows this quote, ‘Activities: Hockey, Hockey, Hockey, Love the sport to death!’  Matt is a player who truly loves the game and can never get enough of it.

Matt played his high school hockey for the Osseo Orioles where he was named team captain during the 2004-2005 season.  He ranks 31st all-time on the Osseo points leader board with 63 points (24G 39A) in his varsity career.  Matt’s brother Travis who graduated in 2002 tops the all-time points leaders with 159 points (67G 92A) at Osseo. Travis plays professional hockey in the East Coast Hockey League for the South Carolina Sting Rays where he has already won multiple awards his first year in the league, including being named an ECHL all-star. 

After a great high school career, Matt headed to the NAHL to play for the Northern Iowa Outlaws.  During his two seasons with the Outlaws, Morin racked up 15G and 45A good enough for 60pts overall.  During his 2nd year in juniors, he was invited to participate in NAHL Future Prospects Tournament showcasing the leagues best talent.

From there, Morin committed to play for the Blue Devils and made an impact right away last season.  He was given numerous late 3rd period shifts with the game on the line.  Coach Terry Watkins showed lots of confidence in the true freshmen and Morin didn’t disappoint.  When his blades touched the ice, his feet were moving constantly.  Morin never takes a shift off.  In his first season he ranked 4th on the team in points tallying 10G and 17A for 27pts overall. His effort was rewarded when he was selected to the USCHO.com West All-Star Rookie team at the end of last year.

Matt Morin defending against St. Johns University

We had a chance to talk with Matt recently this summer and here is what he had to say!

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Q&A With Matt Morin

Stouthockey.com – Who is your favorite NHL player?

Matt Morin: Gotta be Ovechkin, most complete player in the game today.

Stouthockey.com – Favorite NHL team?

Matt Morin: Home town guy. Minnesota Wild

Stouthockey.com – Favorite DI collegiate team?

Matt Morin: Maine Blackbears.

Stouthockey.com – Favorite hockey moment in your life as of yet.

Matt Morin: Making it out to lake placid has to be tops for me. To play in such a historic place, was a chance of a lifetime.

Stouthockey.com – Favorite place to play in the NCHA?

Matt Morin: I thought Stevens Point was a blast to play at. They had some pretty rowdy fans.

Stouthockey.com – Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Matt Morin: Oh man where to start? Always make a delicious pasta dish Thursday night, than shoot some hoops Friday morning.. I have way too many to be honest, theory is just be relaxed and comfortable before a game and doing it the same way helps. But if things don’t go right than it’s time to switch er’ up.

Stouthockey.com – Do you have a favorite stick?

Matt Morin: The Harrow-Harrow 2-piece connection is the way to go. Reeboks aren’t bad either.

Stouthockey.com – Favorite or preferred kind of skates?

Matt Morin: Reeboks

Stouthockey.com – Now comes the tough ones! Blondes or Brunettes?

Matt Morin: Brunettes for sure!

Stouthockey.com – Girls are burning up the e-mail Matt, Boxers of Briefs?

Matt Morin: Boxers

Stouthockey.com – Pontoon boat or speed boat out on the lake?

Matt Morin: Pontoons- you can fish from them, swim from them, grill on them… You know cruise the lake in comfort.

Stouthockey.com - What are you plans once you graduate from UW-Stout?

Matt Morin: Hopefully continue my hockey career, or move to Brainerd!

Stouthockey.com - When not playing hockey, what do you enjoying doing in your free time?

Matt Morin: Love to golf and fish! The only two things i will happily get up for at 6:30 in the morning to do. Volleyball, bowling, cribbage.

Stouthockey.com - Describe the feeling of playing in Lake Placid, NY last season during the NCAA Championships

Matt Morin: Incredible! I’ve grown up with hockey in my blood, so to be playing in such a rink where the “Miracle on Ice” happened was a dream come true. Just to feel the electricity in such a place with so much history andmeaning, it was beyond describable. From the drive into the adirondacks, to the terrifying plane ride home, i had the chills the whole week.

Stouthockey.com - What do you see your role as this coming season?

Matt Morin: I’ll try and do whatever is asked of me to win night after night. The should be the role of everyone in a team sport i think.