On the Ice with Matty Beniers

 

Matty Beniers is arguably one of Hingham’s most talented hockey players and is only beginning what is sure to be an illustrious career. Currently playing for the National Team Development Program, Under-18 team, in Plymouth Michigan, Matty’s passion for the game and dedication endure as he continues to grow as a player. Next year, Matty will attend Harvard, where he is expected to be a leader on and off the ice.  His love for Hingham has stayed with him during his time away from home, as he comes home regularly during the offseason to be with family and friends, and to train. Matty is known to be a great hockey player and an even better friend.

Hingham, meet Matty Beniers.

What is your first memory of playing hockey?

One of my first memories of playing hockey was at Pilgrim Rink during free-skate. My dad, mom and I would go to the middle rink free-skate when I was only 18 months old. My dad proclaimed that because I loved street hockey and mini hockey so much, that I was ready for the ice. Hockey, being a sport that my dad loved to play, was one that he wanted to pass along to my brother, sister, and I. I remember waddling onto the ice, taking a few steps and falling. I waddled back to my mom telling her that “it's too slippery” and that I wanted to go back home. Laughing, my mother let me off the ice that day only to come back a couple months later. This time I started to love being on the ice.

What teacher has had the biggest impact on your life and why?

My entire family has definitely had the biggest impact on my life for countless reasons. The love and support that they have provided from when I was a little boy to now that I’m living away from home has been tremendous. First, my dad coached me in hockey from when I was about 4 years old until I was 14. He has taught me almost everything I know and love about the game. Not only did he teach me how to play the game, but he also taught me how to love it. My dad has been a huge support in everything I do outside of hockey as well which has had a huge impact on who i am as a person. Secondly, my mom has been another very important teacher and person in my life. She has taught me the importance of school and so many life lessons. She showed me how to be a happy and loving person, and I always use her as my role model when trying to be a better human being. She even moved out with me to Michigan for two years to help me on my path with hockey. Finally, my siblings, Bobby and Gianna. These two have been a huge influence in the person I am today. Growing up I learned so much from both of them whether that would be sports, what is right and wrong, and so much more. Many others have had such an impact on my life, but these four have definitely made the biggest impact on my life and who I am today.

What is your favorite Hingham tradition?

My favorite Hingham tradition is either the Fourth of July road race or Christmas in the Square. When I was a little younger I remember going to Christmas in the Square and getting those huge candy canes. I also run the fourth of July race every year and although it takes a tough toll on my body, it is a lot of fun. Then after the race I go to the Hingham parade and then on my boat with friends and family.

When you come home, what's your favorite thing to do in Hingham?

My favorite thing to do in Hingham is hangout with friends and go out on the water. I love boating, fishing, water sports, or just going to Worlds End and enjoying the day.

What do you love most about Hingham?

I love that all my friends and family are here and it will always feel like home to me. I also love living so close to the water and getting to go out on my boat during the summer.

What's your favorite restaurant in Hingham?

My favorite place to eat in Hingham has to be Peel Pizza. I think every single time I come home, I make sure I go eat at Peel at least one time before I leave.

If you could give one piece of advice to a kindergartner who wants to play hockey, what would it be?

If I could give one piece of advice to a kindergartner who wants to play hockey I would tell them to have fun with it and don’t give up. It is definitely tough at first, but it is a huge part of my life that I love, and I know they will too if they give it their all.

What are you most excited for at Harvard?

I am really excited to play hockey at such a great school, but also to play hockey close to home where my friends and family can come and see me. When I grew up and went to watch college games I know I always looked up to guys on the team and got excited when I saw someone I knew playing for a Boston school. I hope I can provide the same enjoyment and hope to the next little hockey player who comes to my games and sees me playing as others did to me.

What are some of the favorite places you’ve traveled through hockey?

Some of my favorite places that I have traveled through hockey have been Canada, Sweden, and Czech Republic. I traveled to Canada countless times when I was younger to go and play against the best Canadian competition around. Yes, the hockey was great, but I also got to see some amazing things like Niagra Falls. I also got to travel to Sweden and Czech Republic which were awesome experiences. It was really cool trying new foods, meeting new people, and seeing new cultures.

Who is your biggest inspiration in Hingham?

My dad has been my biggest inspiration in Hingham. He introduced me to hockey has helped me all through my journey playing the sport. He has been a great inspiration to me in hockey and also the person I want to be when I grow up.

Favorite pond to skate on in Hingham?

Although I do love skating on Cushing pond, my favorite pond to skate on in Hingham will always be the pond in my backyard. I spent many long days and nights on my pond behind my house when the weather got cold. I would come home after a long day of school and the first thing I would do would be jump on the ice and start skating until it was too dark to skate anymore. I have so many great memories on my pond and it will always be my favorite place to skate.