MARBLEHEAD — Marblehead’s Matt Koopman has signed a professional contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins’ ECHL affiliate team, the Wheeling Nailers.
It’s safe to say Koopman, who played four years at Providence College before playing his fifth year of eligibility at UMass Amherst, is beyond excited.
“It was a cool feeling signing my first pro contract,” Koopman said. “It was done a week or so ago. I played out there for five or six weeks after I left UMass and achieved something I hoped for.”
Koopman got his first look at the Nailers after UMass, as he played with the team to get a better understanding of the team.
“I went out for 14-15 games. I went out there at the end of the season to see how I’d do and how the coaching staff was. It was a great experience,” Koopman said. “The head coach played at Providence, also, so I got connected through that. I thought it would be a good fit.”
When asked about potential challenges he’ll face playing at the next level, Koopman mentioned the longer season is something he’s preparing his body for.
“I’m looking forward to a longer season. In college, we played around 30 games and now I’ll be playing 72 games,” Koopman said. “You’re playing a lot more games and not really practicing as much. The focus is more on performance during the games. I’m getting my body ready to go through the 72 games.”
The left winger, who also plays center, said he always wanted to continue playing after college.
“I think I have a bit more to give. I still love playing the game,” Koopman said. “Once college is over, you’re so used to having the feeling of going back to college for another year, but now I’m excited to make the jump to the pro circuit.”
Regarding a potential callup to the NHL, he said he’s “ready for the challenge.”
“That’s always the goal, to work your way up,” Koopman said. “If it’s the NHL or American League, I’m having fun playing the game and we’ll see where it ends up. Having fun is what it’s all about. I’ll continue to work at it and see what happens.”
Koopman said his move to West Virginia is one that’s needed, but he’ll miss playing near home where his parents rarely missed a game.
“I think going to West Virginia and being further away could be good,” Koopman said. “There were a nice group of guys out there and I knew a couple of guys from Providence who are out there so it made the transition easier. I have a nice living setup over there, too. It’s something I’m looking forward to and being in that area.”
Koopman said his biggest strengths are his speed and fearlessness.
“My biggest strength is that I’m quick and I’m not afraid to go into areas where others are afraid to go into,” Koopman said. “What made me successful in college was being a forechecker and going to disrupt while making plays below the hash line.”
Regarding the difference between college and the pros, Koopman acknowledges he needs to focus on how he treats his body.
“[I’m] making the transition to the pro circuit where the focus is on you as a player to take care of yourself,” Koopman said. “I need to make sure that I make it through and stay healthy.”
