Danny Stewart is a well experienced coach in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL); however he hasn’t been given the correct resources to use his knowledge but that has now changed. He has been signing very talented players since his appointment at the helm of the Nottingham Panthers and this was no different when he signed NHL draft pick Matt Spencer on the 12th of June 2024.
Matt Spencer's North American Journey: From AHL to ECHL Success
Matt Spencer is a 2015 Tampa Bay Lightning draftee from Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He played for 54 games with the Syracuse Crunch (Tampa Bay Lightning’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate team) and the Rochester Americans (Buffalo Sabres AHL affiliate team), and during this time he put up seven points; however, it is important to remember the AHL is one of the best leagues in the world and only the highest skilled players make it. Spencer would have a successful time on the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) side of things instead when he played for various teams (Adirondack Thunder, Orlando Solar Bears, and the Cincinnati Cyclones). He would play in this league for four years just like the AHL (he played in both leagues during the same seasons) and play a total of 149 games putting up a good 57 points (Pts) which consisted of 14 goals (G) and 43 assists (A) for a point per game (PPG) average of 0.38, which to many fans sounds bad however, for a defenceman the PPG average isn’t a stat too get too worried about; it is the +/- stat and the penalty minutes (PIM). In these 149 games, Matt Spencer only sat for 22 PIM which demonstrated a good sense of discipline as he was a respectful clean player on the ice which is key to making it as one of the teams top defensemen; he also, had a good +/- stat of +19 demonstrating good defensive awareness and good stick checking ability.
Matt Spencer's European Transition: Excelling in the ICEHL and Metal Ligaen
Matt Spencer would leave North American and set flight for Austria to play in the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL) in Central Europe for the Dornbirner EC where he would get his first taste of European ice hockey and the IIHF rule book (the IIHF rule book is quite different from the North American rule books however, they do share similarities). During this season Spencer would demonstrate how much development he has been through as his stick checking game improved and he was better at winning the puck back on the ice making him a low 4 Dman. He would play 39 games that season with the team putting up a solid 1 G and 12 A for 13 Pts which meant he would finish with a PPG average of 0.33. That aside he would remain a smart and light headed player on the ice by putting up a low amount of PIM (19 PIM); also, he had a +/- of -3 which wasn’t the best for him however, Dornbirner EC had a tough season finishing 12th which is 3rd last. He would stay in this league for one more season playing for the HC Pustertal in Italy, where he would play 47 games for 21 Pts and a +/- of +9. Last season he played for SønderjyskE in the Metal Ligaen. He would ice for 34 games putting up 14 Pts, and he would put up his best ever +/- stat which was +19. This stat showed how well of a defenceman he had become.
Scouting Report: Matt Spencer's Skill Set and Impact Potential
Matt Spencer is a highly skilled, transitional two-way defender known for excelling in pressure situations and making the most of his substantial ice time. Curtis Joe (EP 2015) describes him as possessing a very high level of hockey sense, allowing him to read plays effectively and perform like a quarterback on the ice. His excellent mobility and willingness to join the rush to create offensive opportunities are balanced by his keen awareness of defensive responsibilities, making him quick to back check and dependable in all situations.
Standing at 6'2", Spencer combines great skating and physicality, attributes highlighted by Joe Maciag. Maciag also notes the striking similarities between Spencer and players like Kevin Tansey and Yann Sauve. Spencer moves adeptly on the blueline, receiving the puck and positioning himself to create high-danger chances. His poise across all areas of the ice will be a significant asset on both the power play and penalty kill. Pairing him with offensive defensemen similar to Tansey and Cormier could amplify his impact, making him a versatile and influential player. With such a complete skill set, Spencer is poised to be one of the most influential players in the league, and his presence instantly boosts his team's contention prospects (Please note we read Curtis Joe’s comments on Matt Spencer to write this and we also read Joe Maciag’s notes on Spencer too; this information belongs to them).
Graphic by Joe Maciag
Danny Stewart's acquisition of Matt Spencer signifies a strategic move towards strengthening the Nottingham Panthers’ defensive line-up. Spencer’s extensive experience across multiple competitive leagues, including the AHL, ECHL, ICEHL, and Metal Ligaen, showcases his adaptability and skill development over the years. His disciplined play, marked by low penalty minutes and solid +/- stats, combined with his offensive contributions, underscores his value as a two-way defender. With Stewart's guidance and the right resources, Spencer is set to become a pivotal player for the Panthers, contributing both defensively and offensively. His high hockey IQ, as highlighted by Curtis Joe, and his physical presence, noted by Joe Maciag, position him as a key asset in the team's pursuit of success in the upcoming season. As Spencer integrates into the Panthers’ line-up, fans can look forward to a transformative season, with the team emerging as strong contenders in the league.
Author of Article: Calan Yule
Editor: Calan Yule
Proofread By: Will Harris
© EIHL News Central
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