Matthew Peca Bio
Matthew Peca is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Springfield Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League (AHL). He was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the seventh round (201st overall) of the 2011 NHL entry draft. After playing four years at Quinnipiac University, he made his NHL debut during the 2016–17 season.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Peca was born on April 27, 1993, in Petawawa, Ontario, Canada. Growing up in a small town, he developed a passion for hockey at an early age. Peca’s early exposure to the sport came through local leagues, where he honed his skills and showcased his talent. His commitment to the game led him to play for the Pembroke Lumber Kings in the Central Canada Hockey League, where he achieved significant success. In his final year with Pembroke, he helped the team win the Royal Bank Cup, solidifying his reputation as a promising player. Peca’s journey continued as he was drafted by the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League priority draft. However, he opted to pursue his education and hockey career at Quinnipiac University instead. At Quinnipiac, he played for the Bobcats men’s ice hockey team, competing in NCAA Division I in the ECAC Hockey conference. His time at the university was marked by notable achievements, including being named to the ECAC Hockey All-Rookie Team in his freshman year and serving as team co-captain in his final season.
Path to Hockey
After completing his college career, Matthew Peca signed an amateur tryout with the Tampa Bay Lightning’s AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. He quickly made an impact and earned a two-year entry-level contract with the Lightning on April 1, 2015. Peca’s professional debut came during the 2016–17 NHL season when he was called up to the Lightning’s roster. He made his NHL debut on December 28, 2016, in a game against the Montreal Canadiens, marking a significant milestone in his career. In his first NHL game, Peca not only contributed to a victory but also recorded his first career point with an assist on a goal by Alex Killorn. He continued to build on this success, scoring his first NHL goal against Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets on January 3, 2017, becoming the first Quinnipiac Bobcat to score in the NHL.
Matthew Peca Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Matthew Peca’s professional career began with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he played from 2015 to 2018. During this time, he made a name for himself as a reliable forward. In his first season, he was recognized for his performance by being selected to participate in the 2018 AHL All-Star Game. Peca’s contributions to the Lightning were significant, and he quickly became a valuable asset to the team.
Breakthrough (2018–2021)
After his tenure with the Lightning, Peca signed a two-year, $2.6 million contract with the Montreal Canadiens on July 1, 2018. He made an immediate impact, scoring his first goal for Montreal on November 8, 2018, in a game against the Buffalo Sabres. However, his time with the Canadiens was marked by challenges, as he struggled to maintain a consistent role in the NHL. In February 2020, Peca was traded to the Ottawa Senators, where he continued to develop his skills. He played in five games for the Senators, recording one assist, and spent additional time with the Belleville Senators in the AHL. His journey continued when he signed with the St. Louis Blues on July 29, 2021, where he was assigned to the Springfield Thunderbirds.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Matthew Peca has established himself as a skilled forward with a strong work ethic. He has achieved notable milestones, including being named the captain of the Springfield Thunderbirds for the 2023–24 season. Peca’s leadership and performance have been instrumental in the team’s success, and he continues to strive for excellence on the ice.
Matthew Peca Award Nominations
Matthew Peca has received recognition for his contributions to the sport of hockey, particularly during his time in the AHL. His participation in the AHL All-Star Game highlights his standing among his peers and showcases his talent as a professional athlete.
Matthew Peca Awards Won
While specific awards won by Matthew Peca are not detailed, his achievements on the ice, including his leadership role with the Springfield Thunderbirds and his performance in the AHL, reflect his dedication to the sport.
Matthew Peca Family
Information regarding Matthew Peca’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Matthew Peca’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not disclosed. His focus remains on his professional career and contributions to the sport of hockey.
