Former professional hockey player, Matt Revel, has taken on the role of first-year assistant men’s hockey coach for the Thunderbirds, returning to familiar territory after a surprising turn of events in his playing career. Revel had signed a contract to play in Austria but was sidelined by an injury, prompting his transition into coaching.
Revel’s return to the Thunderbirds evoked a sense of coming back home, as he had developed a strong connection to the team during his time as a player. He expressed that leaving the Thunderbirds meant leaving behind not just a team, but a sense of belonging and camaraderie. This emotional bond made his return as a coach particularly significant.
Despite the unexpected shift in his career, Revel had been considering a move into coaching for several years. His passion for the game and his fascination with strategizing and analyzing different aspects of hockey made the transition to coaching a natural progression.
In his new position, Revel has prioritised building strong connections with the players and providing support for their challenges both on and off the ice. He has emphasised the importance of understanding the personal lives and struggles of the players, which has allowed him to establish a high level of trust and rapport with the team.
Despite being new to coaching, Revel’s personal familiarity with the players has enabled him to seamlessly adjust to his new role. His profound understanding of the players’ difficulties has equipped him to offer both coaching guidance and personal support, earning the trust and respect of the team.
As the Thunderbirds prepare for a successful season, Revel’s return to the team as a coach has been a heartwarming journey back to his origins. His experience as a player has smoothly transitioned into a new chapter as a mentor and coach, cementing his position within the Thunderbirds community once again.