Mattie expects Killer time in Belfast

Former Giant and current Sheffield Steelers coach David Matsos has paid tribute to ex teammate Todd Kelman on the eve of the Belfast defenceman’s testimonial game.

Matsos was a Giant for two seasons from 2001 to 2003, winning a league title and a playoff championship during his stay and he has nothing but good things to say about Kelman.

He said: “Todd is unbelievable; he would bleed for his team mates. We’ve always kept in touch and he’s just such a genuine guy, the perfect team mate.

“It’s an honour to be involved with his testimonial, we kept in touch during the summers and he came to visit my wife and I one summer and it’s a privilege to be there on a pretty special night for him. I’m sat here having a beer with Paul Kruse (former Giants and Steelers captain) and Jonathan Phillips (current Steelers captain) and any time you’re involved with the Giants you meet some great people.”

Matsos speaks fondly of his time at the Giants and believes it was a pivotal time in his career.

“I was playing in Germany and had every intention of going back there and Mark Cavallin (ex Belfast netminder), a goalie I roomed with when I played on Team Canada, called me up and that was it, within a couple of days I was coming to Belfast.

“My time in Belfast kept me in the UK and if it wasn’t for that I probably wouldn’t be coaching where I am right now. I owe a lot to the Giants. I created a lot of good relationships over here and you always feel good when you step off the plane in Belfast. Everyone, and me especially, believes what they see on TV and it doesn’t show the rosier parts of life here and you don’t know what you’re getting involved in but it’s a great place to be.”

Kelman’s testimonial will bring together many of the Giants past fan favourites including NHL superstar Theo Fleury who helped bring the franchises a second league title last season. Matsos is looking forward to spending time with the Giants highest profile player.

“I had the chance to talk to him and his girlfriend last year in Cardiff and when Killer speaks so highly of someone then you have no reason to believe they’re not good people. It was incredible for the Giants that someone with his CV would come over and look after the younger guys while educating the older guys. I’m definitely looking forward to getting to know him better over the next two days.”

The Steelers head coach won a ‘Kingdom of the Giants’ Player of the Year award in the 2002/2003 season and his tip for this season’s award is the club’s all time top scorer.

“I’m a big fan of Jason Ruff; I just don’t see him slowing down. He’s one of the only players out there who can control a hockey game. In the last game we played when we beat Belfast 3-1 I still thought he was the best player on the ice.”

Dave Matsos will not be on the ice with the likes of Paul Kruse, Theo Fleury and Paxton Schulte in Kelman’s all-star team, due to a career ending neck injury sustained last season while he played for the Cardiff Devils, but he will be running the bench.

Todd Kelman has iced for the Belfast Giants in each of their seven seasons since their inception in 2000 and is the franchise second top points scorer with 199 points from his 393 games. The last of the ‘Original Giants’, Kelman is hanging up the skates at the end of this season and taking on the role of General Manager.

The testimonial faces off at 7.30pm at the Odyssey Arena and will consist of a regular first period, a skills competition and a regular third period.

Interview by Graham Smyth

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