Chestermere Teen Headed To The WHL

[caption id="attachment_14284" align="alignright" width="300"] The Portland Winterhawks have signed 16-year-old defenseman Matthew Quigley. He spent this season with the Lethbridge Hurricanes Midget AAA team of the Alberta Midget Hockey League, where he posted three goals and 10 assists for 13 points in 34 games.[/caption]

Since Matthew Quigley was a mere toddler, the hockey spirit was alive and well inside him.  Playing mini sticks at the age of two and playing mini sticks and hockey in the driveway every chance he could, the tremendous talent and athleticism Quigley had was soon noticed by many.

"Every young boy growing up in Canada wants to be able to get the chance to play High Level hockey, and growing up my mom always gave me a chance to play at the highest level I could.  My mom played woman's hockey for years, so this was something we could do together.  Plus, I love the feeling of belonging to a team or club, and a team coming together to create a common goal", added Quigley.

Quigley was born in Calgary but he and his family moved to Chestermere in 2003.  "I have been going to school in Chestermere since grade one, and I am currently in grade 11 at the Chestermere High School".

At the age of 7, Quigley began playing organized hockey right here in Chestermere.  Since then, this young man has already had a remarkable career in the sport that he loves.

2006/2007 Chestermere Lakers Novice 2 where he was Awarded Most dedicated player.

2007/2008 Chestermere Lakers Novice 1; 2008/2009 Adam 1; 2009/2010 Adam 1; 2009 played in Anaheim – Defence for the Western Canada Selects.  2010/2011 Peewee AA – Wheatland Association – Strathmore; 2011 played in Sweden & Finland for Western Canada Selects.

2011/2012 Peewee AA – Wheatland Association – Strathmore Craig Kletzel Award Exemplary Player Award Best Defence Award

2012/2013 Bantam AA – Wheatland Association – Strathmore Most Sportsman Like Award

2013/2014 Rocky Mountain Raiders AAA – Okotoks

Jan 2014 Quigley played in the AMBL All Stars Tournament April 2014 Played in the Alberta Cup for Team South

2014/2015 Midget 15's – Rockyview Raiders AAA – AMMHL Awarded Best Defence

Dec 2014 – Got Listed with Portland Winterhawks – WHL

2015/2016 Lethbridge Hurricanes major Midget AAA – AMHL Oct 2015 Affiliated with Whitecourt Wolverines Junior A

Which has now led to last month when he was signed with Portland Winterhawks WHL

In a press release from the WHL Portland Winterhawks, they stated, "Matthew is an excellent skater who has the ability to lead the rush or join the attack," said Portland Winterhawks General Manager & Head Coach Jamie Kompon.  "His overall play at the prestigious Mac's Midget Tournament really impressed our scouting staff. We're excited to have him under contract and look forward to him advancing his career with the Winterhawks."

So what does the young star think of this amazing step in his career, "Signing is a dream come true and really a great opportunity, especially with such a top end organization like Portland. My family and friends are very happy for me and I'd like to thank them for their support that they have given me over the years".