Berry-Lamontagna commits to SFU from BCHL's Cowichan Valley Capitals

---

The Simon Fraser University Men’s Hockey team is pleased to announce its first student ­athlete commitment for the 2014­/15 season.

Joining SFU is 20-year­ old defenseman Mathew Berry-Lamontagna, who split 2013­/14 between the BC Hockey League’s Coquitlam Express and Cowichan Valley Capitals.

"We're very excited that that Mathew has decided to play for us this upcoming season and I have no doubt in my mind that he has all the tools to be a top-end defenseman in our league," said SFU head coach Mark Coletta. "With more than 50 games in the Western Hockey League and over 115 games in the BCHL, we expect Mathew to have an impact as soon as he steps on the ice."

For Berry-Lamontagna, he relishes the idea of playing close to home once again.

"Attending SFU allows me to continue to pursue my hockey career, while getting an excellent education at one of the best schools in Canada," expressed the 6-foot, 200 lb. blueliner. "Being from Vancouver, it was an easy decision to commit to SFU for me and my family, and I couldn't be more excited to get started this coming fall."

Berry-Lamontagna had six goals and 13 assists along with 48 penalty minutes in 52 games split between Coquitlam and Cowichan Valley this past season.

Despite only playing a half-season with the Capitals, Cowichan Head Coach and GM Bob Beatty is very complimentary of Berry-Lamontagna.

"Mathew was a welcome addition to our defense core. He is a mobile, puck moving d-man who defended extremely well against opponent’s top lines, was a leader in the dressing room and on the ice, playing in all situations," Beatty said. "The Capitals wish Matt all the best as he moves on with his hockey and educational pursuits. SFU is getting a quality player and person."

From 2011 to 2013, he played 65 games with the BCHL’s West Kelowna Warriors, notching two goals, 13 assists and 68 penalty minutes. He raised his game in the 2013 playoffs with the Warriors, contributing five assists in ten games as West Kelowna made it to the Interior Conference Finals.

Berry-Lamontagna made his junior hockey debut in 2010-11 with the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders, playing 34 games as a 17 year old and finishing with two goals, an assist and a respectable -2 rating on a team which only had eight players finish even or better in plus/minus. He played 17 games with the Raiders during the 2011-12 season before joining West Kelowna in January of 2012.

He is a product of the Greater Vancouver Canadians program of the BC Major Midget League.

As for what SFU fans can expect to see when he takes the ice in 2014-15, Berry-Lamontagna considers himself a 'jack of all trades'-type of player.

"I see myself as a smooth skating, two-way defenseman who excels in all areas of the ice. I am a smart player, with a good shot, good hockey sense and strong passing ability, I also am not afraid to be physical and play with an edge."

Coletta looks forward to adding a player with Berry-Lamontagna’s versatility to a team which hasn't won a BCIHL championship since 2011, despite finishing the 2013-14 season with the best record in team history.

"In addition to what he brings on the ice in game situations, Mathew is a very hard working and committed player," added Coletta. "He's determined to be a great student and the education that SFU offers was a big factor in him and his family's decision. We’ve had many great players during my six years at SFU and I think Mathew will be one of those great players when his BCIHL career is over and he graduates from SFU four years from now."

Now that his junior hockey career has come to an end, Berry-Lamontagna is excited about once again combining academics with playing a high level of hockey.

"I'm looking forward to getting back into school, as well as continuing to develop my skills as a hockey player," Berry-Lamontagna continued. "SFU's always near the top of the league as a contender to win it all, and I hope to come in as a first year player and make an immediate positive impact to the team while pursuing my degree in Sciences."

Berry-Lamontagna is the first in what is expected to be a very strong recruiting class for the 2014-15 season for SFU.