Trinity Western adds Swiss goaltender Silas Matthys for 2013/14

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Trinity Western University has bolstered its goaltending as Spartans head coach Barret Kropf has announced the signing of Swiss netminder Silas Matthys (Pfaffikon, Switzerland) for the 2013/14 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season.

The 5-foot-11, 165-pound Matthys, who graduated from Kantonsschule in Pfaffikon in 2012, joins TWU after playing with HC Sierre of the Swiss B-League in 2012-13. During his one-year stint with Sierre, Matthys saw action in 21 contests and was named player of the game on eight occasions.

Prior to his time with Sierre, Matthys spent five years playing junior hockey with the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers, where he helped the U20 team to the Junioren Elite league semifinals in both 2010-11 and 2011-12.

"Having Silas in our lineup gives us great depth in net for the upcoming season," Kropf said. "He has played at the elite levels in Europe and his skill set will help us build a solid core in the crease."

"It will be a great battle in our training camp for regular playing time and that’s the sort of thing we need moving forward. We are spoiled right now with four goalies and I'm looking forward to seeing how they will set the tone in the work ethic department as they vie for a spot on the game sheet."

Dallas Stars goalie coach Mike Valley, who has worked with Matthys during the summer months added: "Silas is a talented young goaltender who is highly competitive and has a strong work ethic. His skill level and his professional approach to the game make him a valuable asset to any organization."

Matthys plans to study business administration at TWU. He is TWU's third commit for the 2013/14 season, joining forwards J.P. Villeneuve (Powell River, BCHL) and Josh Bruha (Notre Dame, SJHL).