// Hello, all. Due to my insatiable craving for sports chatter, I have taken it upon myself to create what will (hopefully) be a weekly news article, featuring a local ball hockey player. Indeed, since I will be looking to provide further insight into the league and its corresponding athletes, I saw it fitting to declare the column, “Balls Deep.” As such, I shall attempt to introduce some entertainment by means of opinionated articles, and unknown facts about some of the members of the community. The debut edition of “Balls Deep” focuses on a Baton Rouge teammate of mine, Matt Vautour. I first met this tiny fellow in an arena where his obvious passion for the sport impressed me. Since then, we have played ice hockey together, and competed at the New Brunswick Provincial and Eastern Canadian ball hockey championships. His small stature is superseded by his aggressive, in-your-face play style. He has the speed to keep up with the best of them, and his willingness to do anything to help the team win has made him a team favorite on the summer league powerhouse, Slick Sticks. Without further ado, let’s delve into some conversation with Matt Vautour.
R: Hello, Matt. Matty? Matthew? You’re French, right? So do you like to be called Matthieu? Tell the Freddy Ball Hockey readers a bit about yourself. You’re a bit of a mystery man from the northern extremity of this beautiful province.
M: Haha, well Ray. First I’m honored to be the first ‘player profile’. I wish I could say that I’m fully committed to being French, but English for the most part. You have to pick up the lingo if you want to last up North.
I came to the Capital Region 5 years ago to attend UNB, and love the area, and mostly the ball hockey and hockey that’s so easily accessible. I’ve played hockey throughout the years, always loved competing and found that in the ball hockey league here. Win lose or draw, you leave with a smirk and a laugh, and or a bruise from a Ray Chase clapper.
R: Well it’s a pleasure to have you as the first interview. You (not just the beard) are a welcome addition to the ball hockey community. You were drafted early by the gentle giant, Brent McKenna. How did it feel to be recognized in the first two rounds in your debut season? You must have made quite the impression in the rookie game.
M: It was literally the first time being drafted into a league for anything, so I wanted to get my stock up there after Ray told me about it during Summer League Playoffs. Having a good playoffs there, winning the league and playoff MVP got me fired up to carry it over to the winter. Hearing Chase getting picked in the first gave me hope of a dynamic 1-2 punch.
The rookie game was awesome. Tim laced up and was an easy target for assists. Big adjustment playing in the Wille O’Ree and then there.
R: It most certainly is a transition going from the large playing surface offered in the summer league to the smaller gym space; however, good players often find the means to succeed, regardless of location. Speaking of good players, you’re off to an impressive start as a defenceman with offensive upside. As a defender, which players in the league do you have to keep a special eye on?
M: Thanks, certainly trying to focus on making the right passes and taking the right shots while getting everyone involved.
Having played everyone now, you definitely have to keep an eye on a few players on every team. Tim and Troy have bullets for yellow. Marc is unreal out there for the Sasquatches. Bruns (Bruno) for the Big D’s and Vinny when he’s down in front of the net, haha. Just to name a few.
R: It sounds like you’re filling the scouting reports out quite effectively. Keep that up, and Brent will be extremely pleased with his drafting.
You mentioned getting everyone involved. Does Baton Rouge have any specific game plans? Or is it a bit of a free-for-all out there? It seems like the red squad can be a bit of a bipolar bunch. We are never really sure what to expect. What can you say to summarize the team’s play thus far?
M: Let’s just put it this way, when we go out there, every player is playing to be the top guy on the court. With a good crew of guys we find a way to get the goals, the blocks and steals to string together wins, when we somehow don’t seem to even be playing the same game. We’re dangerous. We can score. We play our game, simply put. Muck and grind.
R: Well, the team has had some success with its dynamic play style. I’m sure I speak for most players in the league when I say the speedy little frenchman with the big beard and big heart is a treat to watch. And it has been a treat to feature you in the first edition of “Balls Deep.” Is there anything else you’d like to add?
M: Just want to say it’s been a good experience so far, very welcoming group of guys. Here’s to a long postseason run with Baton Rouge.
Cheers.
// And that wraps up the first edition of “Balls Deep.” I will surely be back for a second attempt next week, if all goes well. I am completely open to suggestions for future content, players to interview, and subjects to cover. Anything and everything is a welcome addition to the column. Hopefully at least one person got something out of this.
Pictured above: Matt Vautour after winning the Capital City Ball Hockey Championship in 2014.
