Feb. 28, 2007

Northern Michigan senior defenseman Matt Maunu has more on his plate than most student-athletes. Aside from balancing time on the ice and in the classroom, Maunu recently married his longtime girlfriend and, together, they are raising a puppy. With everything going on his life, Maunu still excels in the classroom and is a finalist for the CCHA Scholar-Athlete-of-the-Year award. In his final season at Northern Michigan, Maunu reflects on the personal changes he has experienced after going from a late addition to the Wildcats in 2003 to being a team leader in his senior season in 2007.

Balancing College and Married Life
By Matt Maunu

There are many words you can use to describe a college hockey player, including determined, focused, teammate, goal-driven, student and friend. In my case, you need to add husband to the list. Some of my teammates could not imagine being married and playing hockey, but it was the right choice for me. Our team is a great group of guys and my teammates and coaches supported my decision.

My playing career at Northern Michigan began somewhat unexpectedly. I played a year of junior hockey for the Waterloo BlackHawks in Waterloo, Iowa, and planned on playing a second season there as well. I was able to visit a few schools after the Waterloo season ended and developed a real interest in Northern Michigan after my trip there. Despite Northern Michigan's interest in me, they already had a full roster for the upcoming season and could not add me to the team.

My situation changed in the first week in July 2003 when I got the call from Northern Michigan head coach Walt Kyle. Juha Alen, who had just finished his freshman season with the Wildcats, had decided to sign with the Anaheim Ducks and they needed a defenseman to fill his spot. After praying about the decision and talking things over with my family and girlfriend-now-wife, Amanda, I decided that Northern Michigan was the place for me.

I believe that I ended up at Northern Michigan for a reason. The people I have met, the education I have received, and the skills that I have been taught by my coaches and teammates show me that I was meant to be where I am. Even though Amanda and I had to endure three more years of a long-distance relationship, there was a plan and purpose for me here. As I embark on my final year as a Wildcat, it has been busy to say the least. Being a husband, student, hockey player, and puppy owner has made this year an interesting one.

One of the biggest challenges I have faced has been learning to balance this busy schedule. Juggling hockey and school are both challenges, but adding a wife and dog have added more responsibility onto my shoulders. Equaling out the responsibility has been the companionship and constant support of someone...and great home-cooked meals.

As I look back on my hockey career, I have to say that my senior year has been the most memorable; perhaps this is because I know the end is near and I value the time I have left. Playing college hockey has been a dream and a blessing. I have learned more about being a leader, teammate, friend, supporter and encourager by being on this team and witnessing these qualities my teammates' posses.

Although I am not sure what the future holds for our team in the playoffs or my life after being a Wildcat, I do know that I am a better person because of the people I have met here and the experiences I have had while attending Northern Michigan University.