Moulson embraces new opportunity in Hershey

Earlier this month and nearly 12 years ago, Bears’ veteran forward Matt Moulson made his NHL debut on November 2, 2007, and also pocketed his first NHL goal that same game, just one day after his 24th birthday.

Now, Moulson has collected just shy of 1,000 professional hockey games played. It may seem like just yesterday that he was living with John Tavares inside of Doug Weight’s guest house – both early on in their careers trying to learn from a veteran player.  Today, Moulson finds himself in Weight’s position – one of the guys in the locker room looking to help new players just beginning their professional careers.

With how young their team is, the Bears are fortunate to have veterans such as Moulson and Erik Burgdoerfer in the locker room.

“They’re critical,” Spencer Carbery, Hershey Bears head coach, said. “There’s a lot of guys in that locker room and all over this league who are going through pro hockey for the first time. These guys have been through it for years. [They] understand the trials and tribulations and can help young players and lead them in the right direction.”

Drafted by Pittsburgh in 2003, Moulson began his journey with Cornell University, leading the team as captain in his last year there in 2005-2006. Afterwards, Moulson signed a two-year entry level contract with the Los Angeles Kings.

His 57 points in 77 games playing for AHL affiliate Manchester led to Moulson’s 22 games in the NHL during the 2007-2008 campaign and a few more the following season. Despite limited NHL action with Los Angeles, it was likely still a great learning experience because of who he was surrounded by. As a young player entering the league, having a few experienced players nearby goes a long way.

“Coming in,” Moulson said, “Rob Blake was always someone (I looked up to). Someone who took me under their wing was Derek Armstrong. First playing in the NHL, your eyes are pretty wide and you haven’t seen some things before. (Armstrong) took me under his wing and was very vocal with me during games and helping me out.”

After his start in Los Angeles, Moulson found himself on Long Island for the next four seasons, prior to a series of trades in his fifth year with the organization. He arrived at the start of the 2009-2010 season, as well as that year’s first overall pick in the draft, John Tavares.

“On the island, Doug Weight was huge for me,” Moulson said of his captain at the time in New York. “He was a guy who tried to help anyone in any way he could on the ice or off the ice. Tavares and I lived in his guest house, so we appreciated every piece of advice he gave us.”

Moulson suited up for over 300 games during his time with the Islanders, tallying 223 points and averaging 0.734 points per game. Although this was five years ago during his prime, Moulson continues to produce at a similar rate for Hershey, with 11 points thus far in 18 games. While his role offensively with the team is immense, he understands that his experience and role with younger players will be equally as important.

“I think it’s kind of your duty and job to pass on what you’ve gone through and what you’ve learned, things that you see. I think for myself, it’s kind of to help some of the guys with things I’ve been through. It helps when you have someone who’s been there. It helped me when I had guys point things out that I might not see.”

Smiling, he added, “That, and trying to produce and help this team win.”

For guys beginning their professional journeys, it isn’t all about putting up points, as it is just working hard and developing their game each day. At a young age, its important to stay level-headed and not become frustrated due to the lack of a call up to the NHL or playing time. Veteran players are vital in reiterating these messages and shaping others.

“I think when you’re young, you’re always looking short term,” he commented. “Maybe you feel like you should get a call-up or think different things. It’s a long road. Many guys make it to the NHL and have successful careers and have different ways of getting there in different times of their careers. It’s tough when you’re young to look at the big picture.”

Regardless of what someone’s professional path may look like, the veteran believes that to get there, commitment is most important. 

“When I reflect back on it, you understand it’s a long road. You have to commit yourself to your craft every single day, whether its on the ice or off the ice.”