Year in review: Matteo Michels

July 26, 2024 – Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings Press Release

On November 14, 2023, when the Wheat Kings acquired Matteo Michels from the Regina Pats, he was billed as a quick, energetic forward who would help the team’s depth and penalty killing. As it turned out, he not only lived up to expectations, but showed he could do more.

Michels set career highs in every offensive category last season, helped by 12 goals and 20 points in 47 games as a member of the Wheat Kings. Those 12 goals were as many as he had scored in the previous two seasons, so it’s safe to say Michels has found a new gear in Brandon. And there may be another gear to be found.

Michels provided timely offense (including against his former team) and helped the Wheat Kings kill penalties throughout the season. Here’s a look back at his 2023-24 campaign.

To take off

After 12 points in his first 95 WHL games, Michels began to use his speed and shot to great effect in 2023-24. He started, ironically, with two goals against the Brandon Wheat Kings on opening night and has continued his offensive growth after arriving in Brandon. His 12 goals with the Wheat Kings and five with the Regina Pats give him a new career high of 17. His 31 points were also a career high.

Dramatic timing

Michels’ first goal as a Wheat King came at a poetic moment. Not only did it come on Wheat City Walleye Night on Dec. 1, it came against his former team. The 7-1 victory for the Wheat Kings was part of an incredible December in which the team won eight of its nine games, including three against Regina.

The devil you know

If Wheat Kings fans felt passed over by Michels after his opening night performance against them, he more than made up for it when he donned the black and gold. He proved especially effective against his former Pats team. In addition to scoring his first goal as a Wheat King against them, Michels scored three times in four games against Regina the rest of the way. The Wheat Kings never lost to the Pats once after bringing in Michels.

Superstar from Saskatchewan

Some of Michels’ best moments this season came when the Wheat Kings needed him most. During a grueling three-in-three road trip that included games against Prince Albert and Saskatoon, Michels led the way with five points in three games, helping the Wheat Kings to a pair of victories that gave them crucial breathing room in the playoff race.

At the time, the Wheat Kings’ offensive corps was severely undermanned (only ten forwards made the three-day trip), so Michel’s three goals (including both game-tying goals) were instrumental in giving the Wheat Kings the help they needed.

Marty says:

“I thought Matteo really grew as the season went on. His speed means he can make an impact in a lot of different ways. He’s gained some confidence in attack and I think he’ll be a consistent contributor for us this season.”

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