Undrafted 3rd year defenseman Mathew Maione(18) takes his game overseas to HC Banska Bystrica of Slovak Extraliga for 2016/2017.
He finished up last season with Wheeling Nailers after a trade brought him over from Brampton Beast, who he played for in all of 2014/2015, then re-signed for another campaign before the transaction sent him further east.
The small-ish 5’10” 195 lbs. blue liner was also named ECHL Defenseman Of The Year after posting a league high 43 assists and 54 points.
He would continue the offensive tear in the Kelly Cup Playoffs, once again leading all players at his position in all scoring categories (6-17-23) through 26 games before getting defeated in the Finals.
The seriously good puck-moving d-man never really put up outstanding offensive numbers through three years of juniors in the OHL, then four campaigns at college at University Of Prince Edward Island.
It was once he turned pro that the jets started to fire.
The 25-year old should do well overseas and climb the hockey ladder once he gets situated.