The Winkler Flyers are pleased to announce that graduating forward Mateo Albinati (99) has committed to the Marian University Sabres (NCAA Div III) for the 2020-2021 season. The 6’3”, 205lbs, Prince George, British Columbia native played one season for the Flyers and had 24 points (6 Goals – 18 Assists) in 39 regular season games played.
“I am grateful to have been a part of such a special organization in Winkler and to be embraced by the community was top notch,” said Albinati.
“I can’t thank Kelvin (Cech) enough for what he did to help in developing me into the person and player that I am today. I also could not be more excited to commit to a program like Marian. They’re a team that is one of the best in the country and knowing for the next four years that I’ll be able to compete for a National Championship and complete a degree in Sports Management is very exciting”
Flyers’ Head Coach Kelvin Cech also had high praise for the graduating forward.
“Thrilled for the guy. Mateo came in as a 20 year old and took a leap of faith to come to Winkler and thrived here. He had a challenging year with a broken hand, and if anyone can overcome that it’s him. It’s no surprise that he will go to school and be all of our boss some day,” said Cech.
The Marian University Sabres play in the NCHA (Northern Collegiate Hockey Association) in NCAA Division III Men’s Hockey and had one of the best records in the conference this past season. Their 2019-2020 roster included a number of former Manitoba Junior Hockey League players with Taylor Derynck (OCN/Swan Valley), Ty Enns (Waywayseecappo/Portage), Brock Weston (Portage), and Brady Pupp (Winkler/Selkirk/Waywayseecappo) all suiting up for the Sabres. Marian University is located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
“We are very excited to have Mateo joining or team for next year! With his skill and size, we feel he will be a great addition to the Marian program. His offensive and defensive hockey IQ are just a few of the reasons why we feel that Mateo will have success during his time here at Marian. We look forward to Mateo joining the Sabres this coming season,” said Sabres Assistant Coach Matt Berger.
The Flyers would like to congratulate Mateo on his decision to continue his hockey career and education at Marian University and wish him and the Sabres all the best in the future.
