For more than a decade, Tyler Matheson has lived and breathed hockey.

HeB次元官网网址檚 spent countless hours on the ice, and has poured blood and sweat into a sport thatB次元官网网址檚 become one of his greatest passions in life.

Despite retiring from pro hockey three years ago, MathesonB次元官网网址檚 love for hockey will continue in another form B次元官网网址� as head coach of the Westshore Wolves this season.

B次元官网网址淚 was really excited. This is going to be a great opportunity for me to further my career as a coach,B次元官网网址� said the 27-year-old.

Born and raised in Langford, Matheson has deep roots in the West Shore.

He learned to skate at the age of three, and began playing hockey at the age of four, eventually joining the Juan de Fuca Minor Hockey system and playing major midget for the South lsland Avalanche.

Matheson went on to play in the British Columbia Hockey League with the Victoria Grizzles for two years before making his way to the Western Hockey League, first with the Saskatchewan Blades and then with the Kelowna Rockets. In his final year of junior, Matheson played for the Cowichan Valley Capitals.

His professional hockey career began in 2011, playing for the Arizona Sundogs, Williamsport Outlaws, and Fayetteville Fire Antz, before hanging up his skates in 2014 with the Brampton Beast.

In the months following his retirement, Matheson spent a bit of time away from the rink, but always felt something was missing in his life.

ThatB次元官网网址檚 when he decided to make the transition from player to coach.

B次元官网网址淚 didnB次元官网网址檛 want to get away from the game. After my retirement, it felt weird to not have hockey in my life,B次元官网网址� he said.

Shortly after, Matheson became an assistant coach with the Victoria Grizzlies in the 2015/16 season, and trained and coached a number of teams with the Saanich Minor Hockey Association, most recently the Saanich tier 1 Bantam team.

WolvesB次元官网网址� general manager Ken Carson said there were a few contenders to become the teamB次元官网网址檚 new bench boss, but what set Matheson apart was his experience in the hockey system and his motivation.

B次元官网网址淲e liked that he was not very far removed from the game, as well as his age. HeB次元官网网址檚 young, motivated and wanted to have coaching be a big part of his life,B次元官网网址� Carson said.

B次元官网网址淲e like the fact that he has a lot of experience working with kids in that age group and really hope he brings that structure and discipline.

Because of his motivation level of really wanting to be a coach, we really feel heB次元官网网址檚 going to work that job very, very hard.B次元官网网址�

As head coach, Matheson has set modest goals, aiming to finish in the top three in the league and hopefully taking a run at the Cyclone Taylor Cup. But his priority is ensuring player development, both on the ice and off.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 not going to say that we donB次元官网网址檛 want to win games, but I want to help kids develop and move them on to that next tier. ThereB次元官网网址檚 a couple of players that are wanting to make junior A at some point,B次元官网网址� Matheson said.

B次元官网网址淚 just love seeing kids develop. You can start with an individual or a team and see them blossom into awesome individuals and a stronger team.B次元官网网址�

The Wolves training camp kicked-off recently, with their first exhibition game Friday, Aug. 25 against the Peninsula Panthers.

The regular season kicks-off Wednesday, Sept. 6 against the Kerry Park Islanders at The Q Centre.

kendra.wong@goldstream gazette.com