Northeast defenseman DeSpirt makes NCAA DIII Commitment

The Northeast Generals proud members of the North American Hockey League are proud to announce that Captain and 3 year Generals D man Matthew DeSpirt has committed to play his College hockey at Suny-Cortland.

Matt joined the Generals for the 2021-22 season after playing for the Buffalo Jr. Sabres.  In year one Matt played 29 games and had 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points.  He ramped us his play in 2022-23 playing in all 60 games and putting up 3 goals along with 17 assists for 20 points.  His improvement continued this year, playing in 59 games with 5 goals, 15 assists and 20 points. 

Northeast Generals Head Coach Bryan Erikson said “Matt is a very special person.  He is one of our all time favorite people to ever put on the Generals sweater.  He is just a phenomenal person.  Matt came to our Main Camp as an unknown player to me.  Matt Dibble our former GM liked and knew Dizzy and spoke very highly of him.  But to be honest I wasn’t super impressed in the first viewing.  But he just kept grinding and grinding at camp.  He made the team as our 8th d man as a undrafted free agent.  I had no clue what an impact he would make on me and the Generals.  He was in and out in year one but always the first to the rink, the first to get extra ice and worked like an animal in the gym all with a smile on his face.  He is just everything you want in a leader.  He took his game to a new level last year and that has just continued this year.  He is a top pair D after starting at 8.  That is some dedication to working hard, working smart and constantly improving.  And as a Captain he is so good.  He checks in on the boys and makes sure they are doing well off the ice and adjusting.  When a player comes in to just practice with us Matt is the first one to say hello.  I can’t stress enough on how great a person Matt is.  He also happens to be a great hockey player that has a ton of speed and pushes the pace.  He plays every shift hard.  Everything he does is 100%.  These are going to be big skates to fill for us next season.  But Cortland is getting a heck of a player and person and he will have a huge impact on day 1.”

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