BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Century captain Avery Matt has always loved hockey.

“She’s one of those kids she’s almost at the rink as much as I am,” Patriots’ Head Coach Tim Meyer said.

It’s a game she started playing at the age of six, and right away, her approach to the game was different.

“Every now and then it looks like she’s trying to carry the whole team on her back, and when you tell her, ‘Hey settle down, let the plays happen, use your teammates,’ she’ll instantly make those adjustments and you can see the pay off right away,” Meyer said. “It’s kind of amazing, to be honest.”

Matt’s relationship with two former Century players played a part in her goals to reach the same stage.

“I think living across the street from the Curl’s, being so close with Brenna, it’s kind of bound to happen,” Matt said.

Matt spent hours upon hours of her childhood on the ice with former Wisconsin player Britta Curl, and current Maine player Brenna Curl. Those two showed her a path that truly is possible for North Dakota kids.

“Just because not very many people do it, I think, that seeing that it’s possible by both Brenna and Britta just kind of helped me and gave me that confidence,” Matt said.

Now, she’s committed to Holy Cross to play college hockey. However, what can’t be taught is her work ethic.

“I just always look forward to going to practice and being on the ice, and I’ve never dreaded going to skate,” Matt said.

Those are habits that every coach hopes all of his players will follow.

“The kind of example she sets as far as like mental preparation, she’s obviously the type of player she is because of the things she is not doing at the rink,” Meyer said. “She’s doing the little things differently, and it’s paying off for her.”

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