VIJHL top 5 defenceman is signed, Seale and delivered by Panthers

August 16, 2021
North Saanich, British Columbia

Matt Seale was born in Victoria and showed an early interest in several different sports.  He eventually focused on hockey, after realizing how much he enjoyed the intensity and speed of the game, as well as the inseparable element of teamwork.  During high school, Matt also discovered an interest in racquet sports – particularly doubles badminton, finding the pace, movement, and hand-eye technique to be traits of a good off-season sport. 

In addition to athletics, Matt grew up surrounded by music.  With his mother being a music teacher and pianist and his father a trumpeter, it was inevitable that he would take up the art. He played violin and piano for many years, starting when he was only five, and played drums in his high school jazz band. 

“Music always provided an important outlet for me and complemented my other pursuits," beamed Seale.  "It reinforced the values of time management, attention to detail, dedication, and teamwork - traits that are very translatable into both sports and any professional career.”
 
Matt is currently enrolled in UVic’s Mechanical Engineering program, fueled by his interests in energy systems and sustainability. 

“Growing up with an older brother who always had a keen interest in the environment has had an important impact on the way I think about engineering,” remarked Matt.  “A truly elegant design is one that can be neutral in its environmental impact over the course of its entire lifespan – from design and manufacturing to end of life disposal.” He is excited to soon enter the workforce on a co-op term and start putting theoretical knowledge into practice. 

Over the summer, Matt has been training hard to make the upcoming season successful.  “After just a few practices, I’m already starting to see the team mesh together.  We have a strong leadership core and a lot of dedicated younger players who are eager to make an impact in the league.  I can’t wait to see what the season brings.” 

Panthers GM happens to beam as well when discussing many of the quality young men who walk into the rink day in and day out, playing a game that they all love to play.  "Matt is just another young man that fits exactly into the culture of our Organization like hot apple pie and ice cream.  He is a smart kid who knows what he wants.  Matt has quiet confidence who has grown into a real leader on our squad.  I think he is one of the top defencemen in our League and much of the success we might find this year will be attributed to him.  His parents are at all the games and are rock solid as well.  Again, Matt is exactly the kind of individual I am happy to say is part of our Organization.  He fits in perfectly.

Seale and his mates will play exhibition games at home on August 26th and September 3rd before opening the regular season in Victoria against the Cougars on September 9th.  The Club will be right back to the friendly confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre on Friday, September 10 when they will host the Cougars for their home opener.  Both exhibition games and the home opener will see the puck drop at 7:30 pm and large crowds are expected for all three.