Matthew Hennessey makes NCAA commitment to Anna Maria College
Article: Aidan Serra
The Blackfalds Bulldogs are proud to announce that Matthew Hennessey has committed to playing NCAA division three hockey at Anna Maria College. Hennessey, 21, played 110 total AJHL games between 2020 and 2023 with the Bonnyville Pontiacs and Blackfalds Bulldogs, including leading Blackfalds to first and second-round victories in the 2023 AJHL playoffs.
“I am super excited that I have committed to Anna Maria. I have heard great things about the school and the team,” said Hennessey. “It feels great to make my commitment and know where I’m playing next season.”
Hennessey was traded from Bonnyville to Blackfalds in July 2022 and posted a 26-12-2 record in his first regular season with the Bulldogs. Hennessey is Blackfalds’ franchise leader in wins, playoff wins, shutouts, and games played among goaltenders. Anna Maria College had reached out at the beginning of the season, explained Hennessey, before he got back into contact with the school following the end of the season
Bulldogs Head Coach Doug Quinn praised both Hennessey’s on-ice and off-ice contributions to the teams.
“Matt’s game took off in early December and was a major reason for the success the Bulldogs achieved in our second year of operations, finishing second in the South Division and third overall in the AJHL,” said Quinn. “Matt was a great ambassador for the Bulldogs, he volunteered his time in the community and was a fan favourite.”
Quinn went on to further commend Hennessey’s off-ice contributions, including his positivity in the dressing room, saying “Matt was a great teammate who is always positive and supportive of his teammates.”
Blackfalds’ Director of Hockey Operations Al Parada echoed Quinn’s sentiment, saying that he is proud of Hennessey’s hard work to achieve his spot in college hockey.
“Matt worked very hard this year to get where he is and this is a well-deserved commitment. For me personally, I am very proud of him not only as a player but as a person,” said Parada.
“I want to send a big thanks to my family. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them,” said Hennessey. “I also want to thank all my coaches, my teammates, and my amazing billet families who have helped me along the way.”
Hennessey also went on to say that he plans to study business during his time at Anna Maria College.
Hennessey joins Brett Meerman, Jason Siedem, Connor Dick, Layne Loomer, Tanner Willick, Brendan Ross, and Otto Hanson now becoming the eighth member of the Blackfalds Bulldogs to earn a NCAA commitment already this season.
The entire Bulldogs organization would like to congratulate Matthew and his family on his commitment and wish him the best of luck at Anna Maria College!
