Matt MahalakCharles Slat of the Monroe Evening News has the story:
Matt Mahalak's hockey career has come a long way since he began playing at age 4 at the Monroe Multi-Sports Complex.
He's now the property of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, having been chosen during the league's 2011 Entry Draft on June 24-25.
The netminder for the Plymouth Whalers was recognized for his achievements by the Monroe City Council Monday night, which proclaimed "Matt Mahalak Day" in his honor.
Here's the official proclamation from the City of Monroe (pdf).
Matt and his parents, Ralph Jr. and Joan Mahalak, were on hand for Mayor Robert E. Clark's reading of the proclamation at the start of the council meeting.
The mayor hailed the St. Mary Catholic Central High School grad as "an exemplary role model" for the community and thanked him for his service to the community and efforts to give back to the town, including an appearance with his brother and Whaler teammate R.J., who was the guest speakers at this year's Monroe Hockey Association annual banquet. "It's a great honor to be here today," said Matt, a student at University of Michigan-Dearborn. "And thank you for way back when I was a kid opening up the rink in Monroe. Without that and without the support of the community, I wouldn't be where I am today."
Mr. Mahalak echoed those sentiments. "I don't think you can underestimate all the youth programs you have in this community," he told city council members. He said community programs such as the Monroe Multi-Sports Complex and all the volunteer coaches of the Monroe Hockey Association and various other community sports make a big difference in kids' lives. "It's sure as heck made an impact on Matt's life," he said.
After starting with the Monroe Ice-Hawks, Matt participated on several state championship teams, a national championship and the PeeWee Hockey World Championship.
He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 USHL entry draft and was grabbed by the Whalers in the second round of the OHL draft that same year.
Video: Highlights of Mahalak's first OHL shutout against Oshawa on Jan. 29, 2011. Post-game interview with Mahalak.