Welcome to Saturday Spotlight, where we dive into the lives of Ohio State student-athletes and learn more about their journeys to Columbus, their love of the Buckeye traditions and who they are as competitors and students.
Matthew "Matt" Weis has been in the Ohio State hockey program for four years.
A native of Freehold, New Jersey, Weis has a very interesting journey for someone as young as he is. Before enrolling at Ohio State, Weis played two full seasons with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League, won a gold medal with Team USA at the Under 19 World Junior Championship, and spent 2011-12 splitting time between the Corpus Christi IceRays in the NAHL and Gamblers.
When did you realize you had a chance to play hockey at the collegiate level?
Matt Weis: I think it would be growing up playing summer tournaments. I got some interest through there. Junior year, I went to the NAHL and played for the Corpus Christi Ice Rays. In the USHL, most of those players play Division-I and I knew then that I would be able to play Division I.
What drew you to Ohio State outside of hockey?
MW: Growing up I was always a sports fan so I think when I came here on my visit i fell in love with the campus and its fans and how dedicated they are to their Buckeyes. I mean everything was awesome. Tailgating, facilities, tradition, especially the slogan "the tradition of excellence."
What is your favorite hockey moment?
MW: My proudest moment would be in the USHL my first year. I was playing for the Green Bay Gamblers and we actually won the Clark Cup on my birthday. It was game 5 winner-takes-all so playing in that big of a game with that team who broke a bunch of records and winning that would be my proudest moment.
What is your favorite Ohio State tradition?
MW: I'm gonna say "OH-IO". I know even when i'm traveling or back home I'm still part of the Buckeye family. I was in Florida visiting my grandparents and someone said OH and of course I said IO and it shows how big of a fan base and a alumni base and it was another thing that really drew me to Ohio State.
What is something about you that we wouldn't believe?
MW: When I was in 8th grade I played baseball and hockey and I was very close to choosing baseball over hockey. I just loved hockey so much more even though I was better at baseball. My Grandpa and uncle played collegiate baseball and wanted me to play baseball but I love hockey so much more.
What has been your favorite class so far at Ohio State?
MW: I had a leadership class and I think that class kind of like broadened my perspective on leadership. We had to read the John Wooden book so I think that class helped me develop my leadership skills on and off the ice. That class really opened my eyes more about leadership and the different styles.
If you could have any super power, what would it be?
MW: Teleportation. I'm not a very patient person so if I wanted to go somewhere I'd want to just teleport there instead of taking an airplane.
Name three dream dinner guests.
MW: Sidney Crosby has always been my favorite player. He's unbelievable and I could talk to him about hockey for hours. Kevin Hart, the guy is hilarious and we would have a great couple laughs. And probably Denzel Washington because I'm a big fan of his movies and he's one of my favorite actors.
Matt and the men's hockey bucks are coming off a big win over Michigan yesterday. Matt did not score, but did have an assist in the Buckeyes 4-0 shutout victory. You can follow Matt on Twitter @mweis95.
