College

Stepping out from his father’s footsteps

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Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31

By Brad Folkestad
Bemidji State

Danny Mattson grew up hearing stories about the Bemidji State hockey family. He learned about legendary coach R.H. “Bob” Peters, the successes of his teams and how he preached hard work, loyalty and commitment.

For Mattson, son of Terry Mattson, a fixture on the Bemidji State blueline from 1985-88, a passion for hockey was inherited. As a player, Danny’s father accumulated 25 goals and 81 assists in 93 games at BSU and was honored as an American Hockey Coaches Association Second Team Titan All-America selection in 1987. Today, Terry remains among Bemidji State’s top 10 defensemen in assists (1), points (t-3) and goals scored (t-9).

“Terry was extremely skilled,” said former teammate and current head coach at BSU Tom Serratore.“He was a power-play defenseman. He was strong, shot the puck well, made a lot of plays and had a lot of savvy. You can see by his scoring statistics, he was our go to guy on the back line.”

In addition, he was a vital cog of the Beavers’ 1986 NCAA Division III National Championship team.

“I remember looking at his ring growing up and him telling stories about Bemidji,” said the younger Mattson with a smile.

Now, more than 20 years later, Danny finds himself pulling the same green and white sweater over his pads Friday and Saturday evenings as a second generation Beaver.

Danny can’t remember when his love for hockey began, but his father has played a major role in his development along the way.

“He threw Rollerblades on be before I could even walk,” said the younger Mattson. “Obviously I loved it from the start.”

The support and encouragement didn’t stop at a pair of Rollerblades.Terry was active in the development of his son’s athletic career.

“He coached me growing up all the way though eighth grade,” said Danny. “He is a good hockey brain so it was always nice to have him in the house to talk with after a game. It’s always nice to have someone to talk to if you’ve had a bad game, but it’s also good to have someone let you know you had a good game.

“He’s been a great role model and has always been there to help me be the best I can be. He never pushed me. He never forced me. He just let me do my thing.”

Coming through the ranks, it was clear early that Danny had inherited more than a passion for the game. Many of the skills his father possessed as a player were in his blood.

“As Danny grew up he was a very skilled, headsy player,” the older Mattson commented. “He had pretty good instincts for the game from the time he was very young. He could always handle the puck well and could bury it.”

By the time he reached high school Danny was beginning to make a name for himself. In 2009, as a senior at Academy of Holy Angels, he was a Minnesota Mr. Hockey finalist pacing Class AA in scoring with 25-51--76 points. He completed his prep career with a school-record 89 goals, 163 assists for 252 points, shattering the Stars’ mark previously held by Jay Barriball, who went on to play at University of Minnesota and was an NHL draft pick.

When it came time for him to decide where to continue his hockey, according to Danny, the decision was his own, but knowing that his father valued his experience at BSU made that decision easier.

“I felt at home here,” said Danny. “I had been to a few other places and then came here for a visit. The atmosphere here was great. The family they produce here is awesome. Knowing that your dad liked it up here helped me to make my decision.”

“BSU was a great place to play. That is one thing I definitely remember,” commented Terry. “The fans were passionate and always supportive of the players. I think it fits Danny’s personality pretty well and the education he will get at BSU will serve him well in the future.

“I know BSU well. It’s a great place to become a young man. I was pleased when he made the decision.”

Now in the second half of his college hockey career, Danny is looking to find his way.

“Right now I am just working hard and seeing where I fall into place,” said Danny.

“Danny has got the head and the hand skills of his dad. They are both skilled players. Terry was an All-American. Danny is a freshman and is getting his feet wet, but there are similarities that is for sure.”

The Bemidji State hockey program is in a very different place than it was during Terry’s playing days in the mid-1980s, but the principles of hard work, loyalty and commitment R.H. Peters built the program upon remain.

“It’s fun to see how the program has grown. It’s a little different now with the new rink and facilities,” commented Terry.

“It was fun to be a part of the history of this program and I am happy that my boy gets to be a part of the tradition.

“I think it is going to be fun for Danny and for us as a family.”