Introduction
Matt McLeod was a top 9 forward for the Belfast Giants last season playing regularly. He has now decided his time with the club has come to an end as he departs for EK Zell am See ahead of the 24/25 season. McLeod found some success with the Belfast Giants and now he will be seeking some success in Europe.
Time with Belfast Giants
Matthew “Matt” McLeod signed for the Belfast Giants on the 16th February 2023 for the second half of the 22/23 season. He would soon hit the road running as he won over the Giants faithful with an impressive 12 points in 13 games as he aided the giants to grand slam glory. During that impressive season, McLeod set a standard at the giants as he quickly became a key player in Keefe’s game plan and successes. However, this didn’t work out in McLeod’s second season as the Giants went on to finish 3rd behind the Sheffield Steelers and the Cardiff Devils. The Canadian didn’t have as big of a goal scoring contribution in his second season either as McLeod registered 25 points in 44 regular season games. This is partly due to McLeod playing a reduced role throughout the 23/24 campaign as he played the majority of the season on the third line behind the goal scoring presences of Ara Nazarian and Daniel Tedesco.
An integral role
McLeod plays a very high paced game. Similar to that of ex Steeler Brett Neumann. With sharp skating and impressive shooting accuracy, the 27 year old became a problem for EIHL goalies as he rifled home finishes that seemed impossible to stop. This was seen when McLeod scored the perfect top corner finish against Matt Greenfield on the Giants’ final trip to the Utilita Arena in March. This is a big asset to any team as McLeod is well suited to the power play. Over his two seasons in teal, McLeod was a familiar face on Belfast’s PP unit as they recorded 18.67% success rate over 166 power plays.
New Beginnings
For the 2024/2025 season, McLeod is heading to Austria with EK Zell am See in the ALPS Hockey League. This will be a big challenge for McLeod as he will feature as one of two Canadian forwards on the Austrian side. This is fairly different to what McLeod experienced in the EIHL as rosters are not filled with non homegrown talent like they are in the ALPS league. This will give a heavy boost to McLeod’s duties on the ice as his team will look upon him to produce for his side. This is a task that is very achievable for a player like McLeod as players of that quality often do so in the ALPS league. A good example of this is fellow Canadian James Livingston. Livingston, played two seasons in the EIHL for the Cardiff Devils and latterly the Fife Flyers. During his time in Fife, Livingston scored a similar amount of points to McLeod in the EIHL with him scoring 26 points in 49 games in Kirkcaldy. Later in his career, Livingston moved to the ALPS Hockey League where he has taken a commanding role in attack for his side. Last season, he scored an impressive 46 points across 49 games. This is the type of numbers McLeod will be looking to hit in the league with his new challenge ahead of him.
Chasing a dream
The new European challenge will be much needed for McLeod as he looks to win more trophies and have huge success in Austria. Playing alongside new players in a new league may bring out a new side of the young North American as he looks to improve upon his time in Belfast. The dream of being a top end player is that of any young kid growing up in Ontario and McLeod has every possibility to do just that. If the forward is to impress in the ALPS league, he could catch the attention of top sides from high end leagues in Europe. If this does happen, the shop window of the Elite League will be key in doing so as many clubs look to sign ex EIHL players. A prime example of this is ex teammate Steven Owre. Owre, who used the EIHL as a career booster, headed off to the ICEHL where he won league MVP; now he has earnt a move to La Chaux-De-Fonds of the SL (Swiss League) for the 2024/2025 season.
Conclusion
Overall, Matt McLeod will be a key player on the EK Zell am See roster as he looks to put up career high numbers. This is no feat that McLeod will not be able to reach as he has buckets of experience at a similar level in both the EIHL and ECHL. Playing alongside fellow Canadian Nick Huard, the pair could very easily strike up a partnership and see franchise record points totals. McLeod is a player who impressed in his spell in the EIHL and is a player who could play back in the League in future seasons at any club.
Author of Article: Will Harris
Editor: Calan Yule
Proofread By: Calan Yule
© EIHL News Central
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