Matthew Barnaby is a unique person. Anyone who has witnessed him play will tell you that Matt is of a different breed. He doesn't show fear. He laughs when he shouldn't. He is one of the most hated players in the NHL... unless you are a Rangers fan! Off the ice, Matthew is still unique, but a lot nicer.
Matthew Joseph Thomas Barnaby was brought fighting into this world on May 4th, 1973, in Ottawa, Canada. His mother Sandra, and his older brother Brent raised him. Matt was not born into the best situation, and had to fight (literally) for everything he received. Matt always loved hockey, and would spend every Saturday night watching "Hockey Night in Canada" with his brother Brent. Matt began playing hockey when he was only 8 years old. He loved the Montreal Canadiens and his favorite NHL player was Dale Hunter.
Matt was a very good player and dreamed of playing in the National Hockey League. Those dreams almost ended when he was cut from his team at the age of 15. He tried again the following year - and was cut again. Matthew was humbled, depressed, and angry. He was also very confused; what could he dream of if not hockey? Luckily, Matthew has the best big brother anyone could ask for. Brent, who is 14 years older than Matt, helped him re-focus. He invited Matt to work at the mill with him. Matthew showed up at 6:00 AM and worked until 7:00 at night. Soon, Matt decided that he would commit himself to being the best player he could be.
Matt continued to improve and eagerly awaited the junior draft. He was 17 years old and a strapping 140lbs. He was hoping to go in the middle rounds. But, he didn't. He waited until the final pick of the draft, the 240th pick in the 20th round, before he heard his name. Being the last player chosen would have destroyed the confidence of most players, but Matt is not the norm. The coach looked at him and saw a small, 5-foot-8, 140 pound player. Matthew knew then that his ticket to make the team was to add value. In the first 2 days, he fought anyone and everyone who challenged him. He refused to back down and as a result, the coach kept him on the roster.
In the next 2 years, Matthew became an assistant captain, and had a season of 29 goals, 66 points, and 476 penalty minutes. Matthew was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the 4th round (83rd pick) of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. He soon became a fan favorite and a player who other teams were frustrated by. Matt now knows the recipe for survival in the NHL - agitate players, FIGHT players, and score as many points as you can.
In 1999, Matthew was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was a trade he requested, and one that upset many Sabres fans. In the off season, Matthew lives in Buffalo with his wife, Christine, and their son Matthew. He still has many friends in Buffalo, but felt the time was right for a change. Matt was euphoric when he found out he would be playing for the Penguins. He has always admired Jagr, and now he has a chance to play alongside him.
Matt loved to interact with the fans. "The Pittsburgh fans are incredible - they wait for players after the game. Not just a few people, there are thousands!" claimed Matthew. He loves playing in front of rowdy fans, and the fans in 'the Burgh' fit the bill.
On February 1st, 2001 Matthew was granted a trade from Pittsburgh. Although Matthew enjoyed the city, the fans and the team, he became increasingly frustrated by his lack of playing time. He handled the situation in Pittsburgh much differently than what had occurred in Buffalo. He requested a trade privately and did not attempt to call attention to himslf or disrupt the team. "I love all the guys on the team. I know there was a nucleus to a CUP contender, but I couldn't be satisfied watching. I play a different style than what the coach wanted and I saw that my opportunities were limited." explained Matthew.
He arrived in Tampa Bay and was immediately impresses. The Lightning organization picked him up in a Limo and treated him exceptionally well. "I felt valued again. I will run through a wall if I feel I am supported...and I definitely feel that here!" Matthew stated.
Matthew was enjoying his time in Tampa, but as a professional athlete, he knew a trade can happen anytime. He was a bit surprised, but happy when Glen Sather coveted his experience and grit for the New York Rangers. He arrived in NY right before the Holidays and his first introduction to the team was a Christmas party at the rink in Times Square. "All of the guys were so sracious and made me feel welcome right away. I had previously had some run-ins with Eric Lindros, but he has been a tremendous friend to me. It's a whole different story when you are on the same team!"
Matthew now has 2 children, a son named Matthew and a daughter named Taylor. His wife Christine stays busy while Matthew is away! Matthew Jr. is rarely seen without a hockey stick in hand and seems destined for greatness! Taylor enjoys New York and is hoping to get old enough to start shopping soon.
Matthew has a legion of fans he refers to as "THE BRIGADE." "I am extremely fortunate. It doesn't matter if I am playing well or if I am not. I see BRIGADE fans throughout the country and I still smile everytime I see a sign or a shirt." Matthew claims he has seen BRIGADE support in every rink he has played in...including Japan! He wants fans to feel comfortable approaching him and say "hello." "I am blessed. I have a great family, I play in the NHL and I have the most rabid fans in the world - what's not to like?".
