Before making a name for himself at Boston College and the Minnesota Wild, Matt Boldy, now 23, first caught the attention of assistant coach Marty McInnis in a memorable way. During his time with the elite South Shore Kings youth travel team from Foxboro, Mass., Boldy’s extraordinary talent was matched by his lively personality.
The South Shore Kings program has produced notable NHL players like Kevin and Jimmy Hayes, Noah Hanifin, Brian Boyle, and Calder Trophy winner Matty Beniers, enhancing its reputation as a breeding ground for future stars. While coaching there, McInnis observed Boldy’s vibrant spirit, especially during carpool rides with his son, Chase McInnis, to games and tournaments. Marty recalls that even at the young age of 10, Boldy was never shy about showcasing his singing chops during their drives.
“He does a lot of karaoke. He did a lot of singing in the backseat. He’s not afraid,” McInnis laughed, reflecting on Boldy’s high-pitched voice, which he wishes he had captured on video for comedic value.
Chase further emphasized Boldy’s charisma, stating, “Whatever was on the radio, he knew the songs.”
However, it was his on-ice abilities combined with guidance from coaches like McInnis that propelled Boldy to the NHL. Boldy himself credits McInnis for shaping his understanding of the game. “My parents didn’t play; they didn’t know a ton about the sport. (McInnis) was about embracing creativity, making plays. Not wanting us to just dump it in. It still creeps in the back of my head, especially when things aren’t going well,” said Boldy, highlighting how important mentorship has been in his development.
Boldy’s journey is a testament to the value of youth sports coaches and supportive environments in nurturing young talent. As he continues to shine in the NHL, his earlier experiences serve as a reminder of the lasting influence that mentorship can have on an athlete’s career.
This insightful look back at Boldy’s early days showcases not just his hockey prowess, but the strong friendships and values that have followed him throughout his rise in professional sports.