Matt Copponi’s Hockey Journey: From Mansfield High to NCAA Division 1 and NHL Camp.Mansfield’s Copponi aims for breakout in Oilers’ p…
From the halls of Mansfield High to the ice at the Foxboro Sports Center, Matt Copponi’s hockey journey has led him to one of the top NCAA Division 1 college hockey programs and to the rink of the NHL Stanley Cup finalists.
After three standout years at Merrimack College, where he led the Warriors in scoring this past season, Copponi transferred to Boston University to join the Frozen Four semifinalist Terriers for the upcoming season.
Additionally, Copponi was recently invited by the Edmonton Oilers, who picked him in the seventh round of the 2023 NHL Draft, to attend their annual developmental camp for the second consecutive year.
“I think just never take anything for granted,” Copponi said on the Oilers’ website. “This opportunity to be part of such an awesome organization is something you can’t take for granted. Every day you wake up and want to live this lifestyle.
“Just learning the ins and outs, whether it’s in the classroom, on the hockey rink, or in the gym,” Copponi added. “I’ve been overlooked a lot in my life, so I just keep my head down and work because I believe in myself.”
Copponi was one of 17 players in the Oilers’ pipeline invited to the off-ice camp, which included fitness testing, training sessions, and team-building activities.
This is a far cry from his days at Mansfield High, where he scored 36 points in 21 games during his 2018-19 sophomore season for coach Mike Balzarini, with eight goals and 28 assists.
Copponi then moved on to the Dexter-Southfield Academy prep school program, where he racked up 42 points in 30 games. He also played for the Neponset River Rats club team, accumulating 103 points in 85 regular season games.
“I’ve been overlooked a bit in my life in hockey, so this is a surreal moment for me, my family, and everyone back home,” Copponi said about being part of the Oilers’ program. “They’re rooting for me, and I’m here to put my best foot forward and show what I’ve got.”
During his three seasons at Merrimack, Copponi totaled 92 points, with 70 assists in 92 games.
“I absolutely love the game of hockey,” Copponi said. “It’s my favorite thing in the world. I just keep falling more in love with the game every day and enjoy it because, like I said, I love hockey, and I love playing and putting my skates on.”
