He puts on his skates, the rink full of noise, the crowd cheering as he steps onto the ice, ready for anything. For four years, Matthew Pysz has been an important player for Leyden hockey, a captain who stays calm and focused. He’s not the loudest, but helps everyone on the team stay on track. Off the ice, Matthew’s focus carries over into everything he does. Thinking back, he remembers the first time he skated. “One of the first times I skated, it was outside on a pond in the winter, and I actually hated it. I couldn’t figure it out and kept telling my parents I didn’t want to play. But the next time I tried, actually playing with a stick, I started to love it. That’s when I knew I wanted to stick with hockey.” Since he joined the team as a freshman, he’s helped shape how the team works together. His teammates know he’s the one who helps everyone stay focused no matter what’s happening. Talking about the older players who influenced him, he said: “When I was younger, I looked up to the older guys who set the tone. Now I try to be that person, someone who keeps things focused and makes sure we stick together.” One of his favorite memories with the team also stands out. he said: “Last year, we went to Wisconsin, and it was just a good time hanging out with the players in the hotel, messing around. Those are some of the funnest high school memories I have, and really any tournament was one of the best hockey memories from high school.” His leadership shows up most when things get hard. Whether it’s during a close game or after a loss, Matthew’s the one who calms everyone down and reminds them to keep trying. “I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about what you say, it’s about what you do. When people see you giving everything you’ve got, they follow that.” The bond within the team is what matters most to Pysz. Win or lose, it’s about pride, respect, and how they play for their school every time they step on the ice. Talking about that connection, he said: “It’s about representing our school the right way. We’ve built a family here, and that’s something I’ll always be proud of.” Looking back, Matthew says hockey has taught him responsibility, discipline, and sticking with something even when it’s hard. Those are lessons that matter off the ice too. “This program has shaped me as a person. It’s given me lessons I’ll use for the rest of my life.” As his high school career comes to a close, one thing is clear. Matthew Pysz isn’t just finishing a season; he’s leaving a legacy.