Matthew Maggio Embracing Leadership Role At Islanders Rookie Camp
New York Islanders prospect Matthew Maggio discusses stepping up as a leader at rookie camp, helping young teammates adjust, and a number change.
Welcome to Free Friday, the second day of rookie camp!
EAST MEADOW, NY — Not every player at rookie camp is a rookie. Some have been part of the New York Islanders for a few years now.
One player who is taking part in his third rookie camp is forward Matthew Maggio, whom the Islanders drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Draft.
Maggio may still be a youngster — he’s only 22 — but given his familiarity with camp operations, including rookie camp and the Bridgeport Islanders under head coach Rocky Thompson, he’s being looked at as a leader by the other youngsters.
He took No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer under his wing at development camp, as they had a friendship prior due to a mutual friend.
Following day one of rookie camp, I chatted with Maggio about leadership & more:
Stefen Rosner: You were chosen to lead the closing stretches there. You are looked at as a leader for these young guys. What does that mean to you? I know you were captain before — it must mean a lot.
Matthew Maggio: “It’s been great. Obviously, coming in, I just have a level of comfort here. And then when you bring in top prospects like the guys we have coming in, you just want to show them around and help them out. Even with them being top prospects, they still get nerves — they’re still human. So I just try to make sure everyone is on the same page, that they feel comfortable, and always have someone to talk to. If I can be that guy who includes everyone, brightens up the mood a little bit, cracks a joke here or there, and makes everyone feel comfortable — that’s what I want to do. And then just lead with my actions and kind of the things I’ve learned from the first few camps.”
Stefen Rosner: Is that something Rocky Thompson asked you to do, or is it just natural for you?
Matthew Maggio: “I think it’s just natural. All my life, I’ve tried to take on that role. I feel like I’m an outgoing person — I like to include people and keep it fun. That’s my personality. Especially with new guys, I remember how nervous I was my first camp, and having some of the older guys like MacLean bring me in really helped. So I’m just trying to return that and make sure everyone feels great here.”
Stefen Rosner: What do you think of Shabanov?
Matthew Maggio: “Everyone’s seen his highlight tapes. Even just being out here for a few days, you can see the skill is so evident. The way he controls the puck — it looks like it’s on a string — and he’s so shifty. I’m excited to see him in a game environment and see what he can do out there.”
Stefen Rosner: I know it’s just day one, but how different was this from development camp?
Matthew Maggio: “It was definitely a lot higher pace. Today had a lot more emphasis on getting the heart rate up, getting us in shape here, and seeing how we can handle the tempo. One thing we’ve all learned from Rocky so far is that everything he does is going to be high-tempo. But everyone in the locker room said we enjoyed it today. As tough as it was, it was fun to have two-on-ones, be rewarded with chances after high-tempo drills, and finish with a game. That little stuff makes it fun.”
Stefen Rosner: How does it feel to be wearing number 71? Did you have to fight Schaefer for that, haha?
Matthew Maggio: “He had a little bit more rank to get 48 back from me. So, anything he wants, I give it to him.”
Stefen Rosner: So, will you stick with No. 71 in Bridgeport if you don’t make the team?
Matthew Maggio: “If we can go with higher numbers, my numbers are 81 and 18. I was 81 in Windsor, and 18 at my first camp. So if I can get 81, that would be ideal — that’s my go-to number.”
Stefen Rosner: Why 81?
Matthew Maggio: “I’ve had it my whole life. The captain of the Windsor Spitfires when I was growing up, Mickey Renaud, wore number 18. He was drafted by Calgary in the third round. My dad was the trainer, so I grew up around the team. Mickey passed away from a heart attack, and my dad was really close with his family. Since then, I’ve worn 18 in his honor, always trying to play for him. When I went to Windsor in the OHL, his number was retired, so I switched to 81, and I’ve stuck with it. That’s my favorite number.”
The Lee & Aiden McMahon Foundation Silent Auction
On August 2nd, former New York Islanders equipment manager Joe McMahon and his family hosted their 24th annual Joe McMahon Family Golf Outing at Middle Island Country Club in Yaphank, NY.
Starting in 2001, after losing his mother, Lee, to brain cancer and his 18-month-old son, Aidan, to liver complications, Joe and his brothers, Tom and Mike, have helped raise close to $2 million to benefit the Hospice Care Network and American Liver Foundation.
Their silent auction from the event still has some extra items, including signed jerseys from around the league, autographed hockey cards, and much more.
Check out the items HERE
