Emotions whirling inside of Auston Matthews, he stood on the ice. The news that his position was shifting came as a shock to his system. He was going to be moved to the left wing and would no longer be the focal point of the game. This change felt like a seismic shift to a player whose entire career had been based on center ice.
During practice, Matthews skated through drills, but he was unable to get rid of the dread that had crept into his chest. Center was his identity on the ice, not just a position. Ever before he put on skates for the first time, he was trained to be a dominant centerman.
That assurance was beginning to fade now, to be replaced by a feeling of dread and doubt. To him, the left wing was alien, like trying to write with his non-dominant hand. He was aware that he could adjust and pick up the subtleties of the role, but it went beyond the purely practical. It has to do with the mental and psychological shift needed to reframe his function in the rink.
Even after accepting the personal challenge, Matthews was still dejected. He had always taken great satisfaction in his ability to work well with others and to go above and beyond to support his team. However, this move seemed like a downgrade and a sign of lack of faith from the coaching staff. Did they have any doubts about his centering skills? Was this a calculated action,
That assurance was beginning to fade now, to be replaced by a feeling of dread and doubt. To him, the left wing was alien, like trying to write with his non-dominant hand. He was aware that he could adjust and pick up the subtleties of the role, but it went beyond the purely practical. It has to do with the mental and psychological shift needed to reframe his function in the rink.
Matthews could not help but become resentful as he thought about these issues. Beneath the frustration, though, was a spark of resolve. Though his position on the ice may have shifted, his dedication to excellence did not change. Auston Matthews was determined to establish himself as one of the league’s best players, whether he was playing center or left wing.