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'Definitely a cool moment': Former Hounds goalie makes NHL debut

Matthew Villalta, a star netminder who won 98 games over three seasons in the Sault, played in his first National Hockey League game Friday night for the Arizona Coyotes
SooToday Staff

Another Soo Greyhounds alumnus has cracked the National Hockey League.

Matthew Villalta, a former Hounds goalie who won 98 games over three seasons in the Sault, made his NHL debut Friday night for the Arizona Coyotes.

The 24-year-old netminder entered the game in relief in the third period, stopping all four shots he faced in an eventual 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

"Not the result we were looking for, but on a personal note it's something very special and definitely a cool moment despite the loss," Villalta told reporters after the game. "I'm just very thankful and fortunate for everyone who's helped me this far to get to this point.”

Among the players there to witness Villalta’s big moment was Coyotes centre Barrett Hayton, Villalta’s former teammate on the Greyhounds.

“I just tried to soak it all in as much as I could and stay in the moment at the same time,” Villalta said. “Definitely a cool moment for myself and family.”

What went through your mind when the coach told you to go in the game?

“When the moment came I was like: ‘Alright, let’s get ‘er going and fire it up,’” Villalta said. “Overall, a good feeling.”

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