Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Alvaro Discusses Why College Hockey

17-year-old OJHL star commits to Providence for 2015-16.

Alvaro Discusses Why College Hockey
Matt Alvaro called college hockey “the best of both worlds, really.”

Matt Alvaro sounds humbled when he speaks of how flattering it was to get attention and scholarship offers from Division I NCAA hockey programs.

But he was hardly overwhelmed by it. The 17-year-old approached the recruiting process patiently and researched his options, and having done his homework he was even more excited to commit to Providence on Monday.

NCAA Recruiting | More on #whycollegehockey

“The whole process was very flattering for me and my family,” Alvaro said. “I wanted to take my time with it and visit a few schools. When I went to Providence I knew it was a place I wanted to be.”

Now a member of the OJHL’s St. Michael’s Buzzers, Alvaro attracted college interest with the Oakville Blades and the AAA Mississauga Rebels the past two seasons. He attended College Hockey Inc. Summits in Toronto in 2011 and ’12. A responsible, two-way forward, his on-ice attention to detail was evident in his approach to the recruiting process.

In the end, having the chance to visit campus made the biggest impression.

“I had heard about the renovations at Schneider Arena, but to get down and see it really opens your eyes,” he said. “You got the whole feel for the college hockey experience, and it makes you really excited for the chance to play there.”

A native of Toronto who was selected by Peterborough in the OHL, Alvaro said there was a time when he was considering that route, but felt college hockey was the best fit. A somewhat smaller player at 5-9, 170 pounds, the chance to develop for four years in college appealed to him.

“At the end it’s the best of both worlds, really,” he said. “You have the same chance to reach the NHL and pursue your dreams and you get a degree out of it at the same time.”

Sound logic and a smart approach – just like his recruiting story.