Blogs from the Broadcast Booth - Les Stoodley

There are times when life throws us a gut wrenching surprise. Such was the case when the Donnie Matheson died on December 17th.

I came to know Donnie through his work with the Wildcats. I was impressed with his willingness to help our broadcasts. He never refused to do an interview or share information that could be passed on to the fans.I was deeply honoured when General Manager Bill Schurman asked me to do a tribute before the Friday night game against Lewiston. Several people, who know me well, noticed that as I stood at centre ice, reading what I'd written earlier in the day, my hands shook. That was true because like many people associated with the Wildcats, I had lost a friend.

I felt his loss and like many other friends, will miss him.I thought it would be fitting to share the tribute with those of you who read my blog.

The outstanding contribution of some people can sometimes be lost in anonymity. Such was the case with the Wildcats Director of Recruiting, Donnie Matheson, who sadly left us suddenly in his sleep early yesterday morning at his Halifax home.

Born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Donnie moved to Dartmouth in 1974. His scouting began with the Sherbrooke Beavers in the QMJHL`. He moved on to the Ontario Hockey League where he worked with Belleville. His next team was the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds where he scouted for his good friends Danny Flynn and Ted Nolan building three Memorial Cup winning teams.

When the Halifax Mooseheads franchise was established in 1994, Donnie Matheson was named its chief scout.Donnie’s role with the Moncton Wildcats was identifying and recruiting young talented players who would help us build Memorial Cup championship teams.

With a strong sense of his Maritime roots, Donnie had a special place in his heart for local players. Donnie was the highly valued Maritime Provinces scout with the Bruins for 15 years and was instrumental in directing Wildcats and other QMJHL players to the Boston
organization.

Those who had the joy of knowing Donnie came to appreciate his intellect, his hockey knowledge, his ability to spot talent and his persuasiveness in promoting young and developing careers. We also came know his contagious sense of humor and willingness to help all of us make the Wildcats -champions.

On behalf of the Wildcats organization, we extend to his wife Jane, the members of his immediate family and his countless friends from in and out of the hockey world, our deepest condolences.

We ask you to observe a moment of silence to honor, Donnie Matheson, a man dedicated to hockey, the Wildcats and the joy of winning in our game.Donnie Matheson will always be a Wildcat!