153-game Thunder veteran still going strong

Mat Enright
Mat Enright
Mat Enright continues to be a source of inspiration for the next generation more than a decade after first strapping on the pads for the Dunedin Thunder.

He will this weekend celebrate reaching 150 games for the team.

The Thunder host the Canterbury Red Devils and Enright will actually be playing his 154th game. The party is a little late, but it should be a nice occasion.

Enright, 40, has been part of the furniture since joining the team in 2010.

He has scored 78 goals and made 64 assists, but arguably his greatest contribution has been as a role model.

He has been playing so long, he is now playing with some of his fans.

"When I joined, some of the kids were still watching me play for the Thunder and now they are key players on the team," he said.

"That is a crazy transformation when you think about it. It is cool to see them really pushing through and becoming a strong part of the team."

What is just as crazy is Enright joined the team by chance, really.

The former England age-group representative moved out to New Zealand with his now-wife, Jazz, 14 years ago.

He was driving past the Dunedin Ice Stadium shortly after arriving in the city. He had not played ice hockey for about five years but thought he would give it a go again.

Over the years, he has had his setbacks.

He fractured his ankle in two places in 2014 and was injured at the beginning of this season.

It is a demanding sport and it takes a toll. But Enright has no immediate plans to retire.

"It is a fast-paced contact sport and the body is not getting any younger," he said.

"But it is just about bouncing back."

Enright has not lost any enthusiasm for the game. He loves competing and he loves the show.

"It’s electric, man. And when we fill the stadium as well, it is just such a great feeling."

He found it difficult to single out a game or two as his favourite, although he did bang in a hat-trick against the Storm last year.

The Thunder also made the playoffs in 2013 and again the following year.

Enright was appointed captain last season and is enjoying the added responsibility.

It has been a challenging season for the Thunder, though. They have only managed to secure one win in 12 games.

"It can feel like a long season when you are searching for a win, so it is important we are all on the same page."

The Thunder have a good opportunity to grab a couple of wins against the Devils, who have been struggling as well.

Off the ice, Enright is a salesman for a technology company.

Sons Beau, 9, and Henry, 5, are both avid ice hockey fans and Enright is coaching the Dunedin Penguins under-12 team.

"It is all about having fun at that age."

It is all about fun at 40 as well. That is what has kept Enright going for so long.

"We’ll see you at 200," he said.