Mike Matteucci

Mike Matteucci of Trail, British Columbia, was a hard hitting, stay-at-home defender.

Matteucci played four seasons at Lake Superior State, winning a national championship in 1994. By his senior year - 1995-96 - Matteucci was named as the CCHA best defensive defenseman. He also was captain of the team by then.

Despite his impressive career at LSSU, Matteucci was never drafted by a NHL team. He would toil in the minor leagues as a tough guy defenseman before signing with the Edmonton Oilers in 1998, but never played for the team. He was later traded to Boston who also never used him, and cut him loose.

Matteucci signed on with the Minnesota Wild organization in 2000. Matteucci would only get into six games with the Wild in his tenure with the organization over the next couple of seasons.

He later signed on with the New Jersey Devils' franchise, but never played for the NHL team.

Mike Matteucci played in six NHL games, scoring no points and earning two minor penalties.

Matteucci later became a Sheriff's Deputy in Traverse City, Michigan, putting his LSSU degree in criminal justice to good use.

He also coaches youth hockey.

"After playing hockey my whole life, whatever it was I accomplished came from hard work," Matteucci admitted."I wasn't necessarily the most skilled guy out on the ice, but I never wanted to be outworked before or during the game.Hopefully that's something I can help instill in the kids."