This article, written by Andrew Macdougall, was originally published via On the Fly Hockey on June 6, 2014.
Growing up in a Canadian family in the small town of L’Assomption, Quebec Mathieu Dugas was raised in what you would call a typical Canadian upbringing, he could skate before he could walk, and hockey was ingrained into the family fabric.
A fabric which continues today as Claude and Chantal Dugas continue the support of their son, who now finds himself on the other side of the world playing the game he loves.
“I was basically born with skates on my feet. I learned how to skate at the age of 2 and became a goalie at 7 and it’s been an adventure ever since,” said Mathieu Dugas.
“My parents rarely missed a game of my junior, college or professional career they try to watch every game online, they are my biggest supporters my dad still coaches at the high school level.
“I told them I wouldn’t hold it against them if they didn’t watch me play at 4 am when I’m down here. So, to answer your question, I guess you could say my family is a typical hockey mad Canadian family.”
Hockey is a passion for Canadians, an addiction some might say, I have often heard the reference “It’s like a religion” when talking about Canadians and their love for the sport.
Outdoor rinks, street hockey are all just a part of growing up in the streets and towns of Canadian provinces, something many Australian hockey fans would feel envious of, for Mathieu Dugas it was his passion.
“Growing up everything was about hockey, coming from school dropping my back pack and either go play street hockey in the fall and spring with friends or grab my skates and go straight to the outdoor rink in the winter, come back for dinner and go back out until late at night.
“Some people here would call me crazy but to me nothing beats a frozen outdoor rink during a Canadian winter.”
Lacing up the skates and strapping on the goalie pads at the age of seven Mathieu Dugas never thought 21 years later he would be stepping onto an ice rink as part of the Perth Thunder in the Australian Ice Hockey League.
With four years spent at Bemidji State University in Minnesota in the NCAA, a member of the SPHL Mississippi Surge and training with NHL star Marc-Andre Fleury, it’s been a whirlwind career to date with its current stop in the AIHL.
“I never thought my hockey career would take me to Australia, I didn’t even know the league existed until 8 months ago,” continued Dugas.
“But with that being said, I am very happy that it did. It’s a unique opportunity that not many people are given, to do what you are passionate about while visiting a beautiful country like Australia.”
It was only by chance that Mathieu Dugas would find himself in the AIHL, a crossing of paths with former teammate and previous Perth Thunder goalie Daniel Clarke, created an opportunity for Dugas to come Australia.
A decision which he has not regretted as he starts to settle into life in the state of Western Australia, a stark contrast to the cold snowy days back in Quebec, Canada.
“I am enjoying every day here so far, people here in Perth are very nice and welcoming. Took me a little while to get used to driving on the left side of the road but I think I’ve adjusted well to the Australian life so far.
“I played with Dan in Mississippi, we talked throughout the year about the league and the AIHL experience, he only had great things to say about it and when called me and told me he couldn’t come back here and offered me the spot, I jumped on the opportunity to call Stan [Scott].”
While some hockey players never reach the heights of the NHL, the AIHL bridges a gap which allows players to travel the world and experience many aspects of life that living in North America wouldn’t allow.
Moving to a new country on the opposite side of the world there is never any assurances on what to expect when imports arrive, advice can only go so far, and getting that on ice experience is the deciding factor.
Hard to compare the AIHL to the leagues of North America, Mathieu Dugas feels as though the AIHL is heading in the right direction. Impressed by the crowds and local talent on display, even suggesting some of Australia’s home grown hockey players could forge professional careers.
“It is a little different than the North American game. I think the league is less physical but a little faster. The play is more open which gives for very exciting games for the fans who can see lots of scoring chances throughout a game,” Dugas said.
“The style is very different so it is hard for me to compare, but I think that this league is going in the right direction and is attracting better and better import players every year from all over the world which will improve the local talent that by the way has impressed me a lot so far.
“To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect when I first came here but some of the Australian players could definitely have a shot at playing some professional hockey.
“I was also very impressed with the crowds here in Perth and everywhere we have played so far. The rinks are packed and the fans are loud. As a player that’s why we play the game and I couldn’t ask for better atmospheres to play in at home and on the road.”
The career of Mathieu Dugas in the AIHL will last for another 18 games this season, if the Perth Thunder is able to reach the playoffs that could be extended into a dream finish to his first season in Australia.
While the focus is on the remainder of the season for the Perth Thunder, the whirlwind career of Mathieu Dugas will return to the comfortable shores of North America, where he will continue to forge a professional hockey career.
“Right now I have a few things lined up for next season,” added Dugas.
“Nothing official so can’t make any announcements but looks like I will be heading back to America for the 2014-2015 season, after I spend a month or so at home following the season here in the AIHL.
“At the moment I am focused on our season here in Perth and I am confident that after last weekend in Melbourne the team is ready to turn this season around and start climbing the standings.”
Settling into life in the sunshine of Western Australia, Mathieu Dugas will be hoping his Australian journey ends in Goodall Cup success.
That just might be enough to entice the Canadian back next season.
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