Matt Duchene, A Role Model at 18

While he hasn't played a single game in the NHL. Matt Duchene is well on his way to becoming a fine role model for the National Hockey League. As the 3rd overall selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft is showing all the qualities to be a great role model for the Colorado Avalanche. Maybe it was growing up in the small community of Haliburton Ontario, or the sound upbringing from his parents, Vince and Christine. Regardless, at 18 Matt is showing the poise and maturity usually reserved for older players.

Last week I had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with the Duchene family at their home outside of Haliburton. After just 5 minutes of talking with Matt, I came to the conclusion that this young hockey player is destined to be a star. You see what separates Matt from many of his peers, is his willingness and ability to handle the pressure that comes with being a pro hockey player. Many players may be great on the ice, but they don't have the off ice qualities to shine. Where as Matt Duchene has shown that he can handle both. Still an amateur in his career, Matt is a pro when it comes to interviews, providing great, intelligent answers while staying away from cliches. He doesn't shy away from interviews, and will go out of his way to make time for the media. (Which fellow broadcasters can tell you makes a huge difference in making our jobs pleasant.)

With the numbers he put up in Junior we know he has the hockey smarts, but he's book smart as well. This kid maintained good grades while playing in the OHL for the Brampton Battalion, and is proud of the 80 average he maintained despite being so busy with his hockey career.

It seems Matt can not only handle the pressure, but he enjoys it! This guy loves a challenge. He knows what it will take to be a star in the NHL , and is willing to put the work in to do it. A work ethic that he credits his parents for.

And much like Sidney Crosby, the phenom from Cole Harbour Nova Scotia, and captain of the Penguins. Matt Duchene eats, sleeps and breathes hockey. Thanks to the hours of sports programs he watches and the Internet, Matt can tell you who plays where, where their from and usually knows what kind of stick and curve they use. Which is pretty amazing considering all the other knowledge he's had to process during his draft year.

And throughout all he's done this year, what from a World Junior Gold medal to an outstanding season with Brampton, to getting drafted. He says he's not really that nervous, more excited then anything. Matt Duchene remains grounded, largely because of the people in his life. His mom Christine, and dad Vince help take some pressure off him, by organizing his schedule, setting up his personnel trainer, and getting him to all his appointments and flights to Colorado.

With this support the sky's the limit for Matt Duchene. And at 18 he's already developing into a perfect role model. A shining example of what a little encouragement and a lot of hard work can get a kid from a small community in Ontario. And dont be suprised to see this guy the captain of the Avalanche in years down the road.