Matt Pelech

Last updated

Matt Pelech
Matt Pelech 2011.jpg
Born (1987-09-04) September 4, 1987 (age 36)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Height 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight 230 lb (104 kg; 16 st 6 lb)
Position Defenseman/Right wing
Shoots Right
EIHL team
Former teams		 Belfast Giants
Calgary Flames
San Jose Sharks
Schwenninger Wild Wings
Graz 99ers
ERC Ingolstadt
EC VSV
NHL draft 26th overall, 2005
Calgary Flames
Playing career 2007–present

Matt Pelech (born September 4, 1987) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman/forward who last played for and captained the Belfast Giants of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL). He formerly played with the Calgary Flames and the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Pelech was a draft pick of the Flames, selected in the first round, 26th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut in 2009 as a defenceman with the Flames. He has since switched to right wing and become known as an enforcer. His brothers, Michael Pelech and Adam Pelech, also play professionally.

Contents

Playing career

As a youth, Pelech played in the 2001 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Vaughan. [1]

Pelech played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Sarnia Sting, London Knights and Belleville Bulls. In 2007, he was assigned to the Quad City Flames of the American Hockey League. He was recalled by the Flames on April 4, 2009, making his NHL debut that night against the Minnesota Wild. [2] Pelech recorded his first career point, an assist, three nights later against the Los Angeles Kings. [3] He joined the Abbotsford Heat for the 2009–10 season when the Flames relocated their AHL team. He was sidelined in January 2010 with a blood clot in his arm, an ailment team doctors initially feared was season ending. Pelech recovered in time to join the Heat for their playoff run, appearing in all 13 of the team's post-season games. [4]

Pelech during his tenure with the Flames. Matt Pelech 2009.JPG
Pelech during his tenure with the Flames.

Pelech appeared in 59 games for the Heat in 2010–11, scoring 3 goals, 2 assists and adding 198 penalties in minutes (PIM). [5] The Flames chose not to offer Pelech a new contract following the season, making him an unrestricted free agent. [6] Pelech signed with the San Jose Sharks, spending the season with their AHL affiliate, the Worcester Sharks. He appeared in 59 games during the 2011–12 AHL season, where he scored eight points and had 168 PIM. He was an alternate captain in Worcester, and was voted the team's "unsung hero". [7] Pelech, who was moved to the right wing and developed into an enforcer role in the Sharks organization, [8] returned to Worcester for the 2012–13 season where he recorded seven points in 58 games and added a career-high 238 PIM. He also appeared in two games with San Jose. [9]

The Sharks again re-signed Pelech to a one-year contract prior to the 2013–14 NHL season. [10] Following a training camp in which he worked to prove he could be more than just a fighter, Pelech was initially assigned to the San Francisco Bulls of the ECHL, but was recalled to San Jose for the season opening game when the Sharks' coaching staff felt the team required a greater physical presence. [8] He scored his first NHL goal – the game winner – against goaltender Roberto Luongo in a 4–1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on October 10, 2013. [11]

On May 13, 2015, Pelech agreed to a one-year contract with German outfit, Schwenninger Wild Wings of the DEL. [12] He made 49 appearances in his sole season with the Wild Wings, tallying eight goals and twelve assists. In April 2016, Pelech inked a two-year deal with fellow DEL team Hamburg Freezers. [13] However, the Freezers folded the following month. [14] In September 2016, he signed with the Graz 99ers of the Austrian Hockey League, [15]

After one season in Austria, Pelech moved back to Germany for the 2017–18 season as he inked a one-year deal with ERC Ingolstadt on May 23, 2017. [16] On July 10, 2019, Pelech moved to the United Kingdom's Elite Ice Hockey League, signing for defending league champions the Belfast Giants whom he captained. [17] [18]

Personal

Pelech's younger brother Michael (born 1989) plays in the ECHL for the Indy Fuel, [19] while brother Adam (born 1994) plays in the NHL. [20] They are nephews of former Vancouver Canucks general manager and NHL player Mike Gillis. [4]

Career statistics

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
2003–04 Sarnia Sting OHL 62461039501112
2004–05 Sarnia StingOHL3115674—————
2005–06 Sarnia StingOHL1802259—————
2005–06 London Knights OHL34178801900048
2006–07 Belleville Bulls OHL58530351711203322
2007–08 Quad City Flames AHL 77369141—————
2008–09 Quad City FlamesAHL59369130—————
2008–09 Calgary Flames NHL 50339—————
2009–10 Abbotsford Heat AHL4228101251304431
2010–11 Abbotsford HeatAHL59325198—————
2011–12 Worcester Sharks AHL59178168—————
2012–13 Worcester SharksAHL58347238—————
2012–13 San Jose Sharks NHL20007—————
2013–14 San Jose SharksNHL610122—————
2013–14 Worcester SharksAHL3231473—————
2014–15 Utah Grizzlies ECHL 152911441114553
2014–15 Rochester Americans AHL3902280—————
2015–16 Schwenninger Wild Wings DEL 4981220102—————
2016–17 Graz 99ers EBEL 484101413950338
2017–18 ERC Ingolstadt DEL5018911650112
2018–19 EC VSV EBEL4021214118—————
2019–20 Belfast Giants EIHL 454812123—————
AHL totals42518365411531304431
NHL totals1313438—————

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott Hannan</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1979)

Kenneth Scott Hannan is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. Hannan was born in Richmond, British Columbia, but grew up in Surrey, British Columbia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Niko Dimitrakos</span> Greek-American ice hockey player

Nicholas Dimitrakos is a Greek-American former professional ice hockey right winger who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the San Jose Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sébastien Bordeleau</span> French ice hockey player (born 1975)

Sébastien Ives Bordeleau is a Canadian-born French former professional ice hockey forward, who played in the National Hockey League. His father is former NHL player Paulin Bordeleau.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patrick Traverse</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Patrick Traverse is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. He played 279 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) with five teams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Pettinger</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Matthew Pettinger is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger. He played in the National Hockey League with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Vancouver Canucks and the Washington Capitals. Pettinger was born in Edmonton, Alberta and raised in Victoria, British Columbia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michel Ouellet</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Michel Ouellet is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger who played in the National Hockey League (NHL). Ouellet was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 4th round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason LaBarbera</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1980)

Antonio Jason LaBarbera is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played parts of 11 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lawrence Nycholat</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Lawrence D. Nycholat is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League with the New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, Ottawa Senators, Vancouver Canucks and the Colorado Avalanche.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Brown (ice hockey, born 1985)</span> American ice hockey player (born 1985)

Michael Steven Brown is an American former professional ice hockey right winger.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Derek Joslin</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Derek Joslin is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. He most recently played for EC VSV of the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quad City Flames</span> Ice hockey team in Moline, Illinois

The Quad City Flames was an American professional ice hockey team that played in the American Hockey League from 2007 to 2009. They were owned by QC Sports Ventures Inc., an ownership group based out of the Quad Cities. The Flames played at the iWireless Center in Moline, Illinois, serving as the top minor league affiliate of the National Hockey League's Calgary Flames. The move to the Quad Cities was confirmed on May 24, 2007. As a result, the arena's previous hockey tenant, the Quad City Mallards of the United Hockey League ceased operations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brett Sutter</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Brett Darryl Sutter is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and current assistant coach for the Calgary Wranglers of the American Hockey League (AHL). Sutter was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the sixth round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He made his National Hockey League (NHL) debut for the Flames during the 2008–09 season, scoring a goal in his first game. He is the son of former Calgary Flames head coach Darryl Sutter, and one of nine members of the famous Sutter family to play in the NHL. Sutter played 1,090 games in the AHL before concluding his career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Negrin</span> Canadian professional ice hockey player (born 1989)

John Negrin is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. Negrin was a third-round pick of the Calgary Flames, 70th overall, at the 2007 NHL Entry Draft; he played only three games with them and has spent the majority of his career playing in the American Hockey League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guillaume Desbiens</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1985)

Guillaume Desbiens is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benn Ferriero</span> American ice hockey player (born 1987)

Benn Trevor Ferriero is an American former professional ice hockey center. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the San Jose Sharks, New York Rangers and the Vancouver Canucks. Ferriero was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but grew up in Essex, Mass.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Smith (ice hockey, born 1988)</span> American professional ice hockey player (born 1988)

Benjamin Alexander Smith is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing for EHC Red Bull München in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). He previously played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Chicago Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Colorado Avalanche.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Bollig</span> American ice hockey player (born 1987)

Brandon D. Bollig is an American former professional ice hockey player. An undrafted player, Bollig signed with the Chicago Blackhawks organization in 2010 after playing college hockey for St. Lawrence University. He made his NHL debut in 2012 and was a member of Chicago's Stanley Cup championship team in 2013. The Calgary Flames acquired Bollig in a draft-day trade on June 28, 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Ramage (ice hockey)</span> American ice hockey player (born 1991)

John Ramage is a Canadian born-American professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for Grizzlys Wolfsburg of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). Ramage was a fourth-round selection of the Calgary Flames at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kyle Rau</span> American ice hockey player (born 1992)

Kyle Rau is an American professional ice hockey forward who is currently playing with the San Jose Barracuda in the American Hockey League (AHL). He was selected by the Florida Panthers in the 3rd round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikolay Goldobin</span> Russian ice hockey player (born 1995)

Nikolay Sergeevich Goldobin is a Russian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for HC Spartak Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Goldobin was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the first round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

References

  1. ↑ "Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA" (PDF). Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 15 February 2019.
  2. ↑ "Wild keep desperate playoff hopes afloat as Flames stumble towards postseason". ESPN. 3 April 2009. Archived from the original on 6 April 2009. Retrieved 28 June 2010.
  3. ↑ "Iginla has goal, assist; Flaems can clinch division with regulation win Tuesday". ESPN. 6 April 2009. Archived from the original on 17 July 2012. Retrieved 28 June 2010.
  4. 1 2 Granger, Grant (16 May 2010). "Pelech persevered through health scare". Abbotsford News. Retrieved 28 June 2010.[ permanent dead link ]
  5. ↑ "Matt Pelech profile". Hockey Hall of Fame. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
  6. ↑ Kinvig, Dan (30 June 2011). "Flames GM Feaster seeks veterans to make impact for Heat". Abbotsford News. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
  7. ↑ "San Jose Sharks Prospect Report" (PDF). San Jose Sharks Hockey Club. 23 January 2013. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  8. 1 2 Pollak, David (2 October 2013). "San Jose Sharks call up Matt Pelech from San Francisco Bulls". San Jose Mercury News. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  9. ↑ "Matt Pelech player card". National Hockey League. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  10. ↑ "Sharks Re-Sign Defenseman Matt Pelech". San Jose Sharks Hockey Club. 16 July 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
  11. ↑ "Sharks stay unbeaten with 4-1 win over Canucks". ESPN. 10 October 2013. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  12. ↑ "Matt Pelech increases defensive depth". Schwenninger Wild Wings (in German). 13 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  13. ↑ "News - Freezers verpflichten Torhüter MacIntyre und Verteidiger Pelech". www.hamburg-freezers.de. Archived from the original on 1 May 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  14. ↑ (www.dw.com), Deutsche Welle. "Bid to save Hamburg Freezers DEL ice hockey team comes up short | Sports | DW.COM | 25.05.2016". DW.COM. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  15. ↑ "Graz99ers - Timeline | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 13 September 2016.
  16. ↑ "MATT PELECH VERSTÄRKT DEN ERC" . Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  17. ↑ Matt Pelech joins the Giants for Season 20
  18. ↑ "Belfast Giants News".
  19. ↑ "Michael Pelech". Elite Prospects.
  20. ↑ "Adam Pelech". Elite Prospects.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Calgary Flames' first round draft pick
2005 		Succeeded by
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.