Matthew Ford is the PHPA Player Representative for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League (AHL). Ford was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. After 4 seasons in the NCAA with the University of Wisconsin, Ford began his professional career in 2008 where he has since played nearly 700 career games split between 9 teams. He won the Calder Cup in 2017 with Grand Rapids and is currently in his third season with the club, being named Team Captain in 2017.
How did you become a PHPA Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities?
One of the older guys Brian Fahey, talked me into being one of the assistant reps my second year of pro playing in Lake Erie. I wanted to take things into my own hands and have a say in what was going on, know what was going on for not only myself, but for my teammates as well. As a PHPA rep, I help guys on my team understand what their rights are in terms of insurance, family coverage, travel rights at the end of the year. Even the little things like guys saving gas receipts and stuff like that.
How have you enjoyed attending the PHPA Annual Meeting of Player Representatives?
It was a blast. My wife and I both went, and I ended up having some former teammates there that I not only played pro with, but also at college with. It was a great group of guys there and we got some work done during the meetings, but also had a lot of fun.
What stands out to you as some of your favorite memories from your 4 years playing at Wisconsin?
The top memory would definitely have to be winning a National Championship my Sophomore year. We had a really special team that year and I still keep in touch with some of those guys today.
What was your major / area of study while at Wisconsin?
Consumer affairs.
You have played over 650 professional games with 9 different teams. What is it like moving around so much and what city have you enjoyed playing in the most thus far?
I moved around a lot early in my career just trying to make it in the American Hockey League and also do my best to try and make it to the NHL. But now at this point in my career, it’s about finding a place where my family is happy and being on a good hockey team that is competitive, and we are really happy here in Grand Rapids. It was also pretty special to have the opportunity to play out in California close to where I am from for a few years. There is something special about each city I’ve got to call home during my career. Lake Erie was really the first team to give me an opportunity in the American League level.
What did you do during your day with the Calder Cup? (2016-2017)
I live in Chicago over the summer and was pretty fortunate to have the cup over two days. I had a big party with it on the first day and then a smaller group of us took it on a boat on the Chicago river for the second day.
You have been either a captain of assistant captain of a team since 2013. Why do you think that is and what do you try to do that makes you an effective leader?
I think it’s I’m just so old lol. No, I think the work I have done to be an American Hockey League player is kind of my work ethic and the preparation that I put in. I know my role, especially at this point of my career is to lead by example and I don’t think I’ve changed my colours at all in that regard.
How has fatherhood changed you? What’s your favorite part of being a Dad?
I love every part of it. It’s really cool now, he’s almost 3 years old, to see him have a love for the game the same way I do.
Who was your favourite hockey player growing up?
Adam Oates.
Who has been the funniest teammate you have played with throughout your professional career and why?
Brad Hunt. I played with him both in Oklahoma City and Bakersfield and he was just a character. We would pull pranks on each other back and forth and he was just a fun-loving guy that was always happy every day coming to the rink
What’s the best quality a teammate can have?
Somebody that is able to make that sacrifice for what not only is best for themselves but it what is best for the team.
Who’s one of the toughest guys you played with.
Joel “the wrecking ball” Rechlicz.
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