When my sister and I were out for a few cocktails Friday night at the Sawmill Saloon, we noticed a small crowd gathered around a young man. A patron soon says, “Yeah…that’s Matt Niskanen. Go ahead and ask him for his autograph, he’s really nice and he doesn’t mind.” So…I did. And to no surprise, Niskanen smiled and said, “Sure. No problem.” He autographed a napkin for me and the Hometown Focus Issue, with Matt Niskanen on the cover; as this year’s celebrity, he signed autographs at the 2008 Sand Lake Shuffle. Later, I pestered him again, “Sorry, not to bother you, but would you mind taking a quick picture with me?” Again, he warmly smiled and said, “Sure. No problem.”Even though I don’t know Matt Niskanen, it always makes me feel proud when someone from the Iron Range—Mountain Iron MN, to be accurate—makes it to the big leagues. As a kid, just about every hockey player hopes to become a pro-hockey player. Matt Niskanen made his dream a reality. After playing for the UMD Bulldogs, he was recruited first by Iowa AHL and then by the Dallas Stars.
What’s even cooler than being a pro hockey player is SERIOUSLY how awesome he performed in his first year with the Stars. Last winter while bartending, I remember watching several NHL hockey games; even as hard core Minnesota Wild fans, the crowd cheered for Niskanen when he made a great play or scored a goal. And Stars games were on quite often just to watch Niskanen play. Local hockey fans were proud to have a fellow Iron Ranger playing professional hockey—even if he wasn’t playing in Minnesota.
Matt Niskanen really is a genuine, down-to-earth guy who cares about helping fellow Rangers and connecting with his hometown friends. Coming home to attend the Matt Niskanen really is a genuine, down-to-earth guy who cares about helping fellow Rangers and connecting with his hometown friends. Coming home to attend the Sand Lake Shuffle and supporting local cancer survivors made many Shuffle participants super happy this year. I casually observed him that evening at the Sawmill and I could see how excited his friends were to hang out with their buddy Matt and to relax and talk about old times. I’m certainly grateful I had the opportunity to meet Matt Niskanen and I wish him the best of luck next season.
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