It’s Greene with an "e", just to make sure that we’re talking about Mr. Matt Greene of the Iowa Stars, who leaves his calling card with every bone-jarring, glass rattling body check he lays on opposing puck carriers.
Like most physical blueliners, Greene has had to adjust to the new, wide open pro game. Unlike many college-trained blueliners, the former Fighting Sioux has the benefit of having played for years without the red line.
Still, he's got to learn how to stay out of the penalty box, which has been a problem thus far in his stints with the Edmonton Oilers and down with Iowa.
A product of the solid USA Hockey program, and a strong candidate for future Olympic teams, Greene is cut from the same cloth as Chris Chelios and Derian Hatcher.
Greene has successfully climbed from one rung to the next. That may account for his rapid rise through to Edmonton, this year, with a stop in Des Moines.
“The programs I’ve been in have all been geared to reaching the next level,” Greene said. “It’s all about taking that next step. If you go to juniors, it’s the same thing, or out East to prep school. It’s all about getting ready for the next level.”
While at North Dakota, Greene was often paired with fellow FAB50 selection Matt Jones (FAB50 2006 Hockey No. 41), now with San Antonio.
“What he brings on the ice is obvious,” said North Dakota coach Dave Hakstol. “He’s not only a physical presence, but he’s become a very solid two-way defenseman. He’s worked extremely hard at becoming a better player. He can play in any situation, and he (generates) a ton of respect in the locker room."
- Dan Hickling
