Who is Matt Pope?

Matt Pope is a 25-year-old from Langley entering his second season of professional hockey.

The Langley Minor Hockey Association product and former junior A Langley Hornets star signed with the Vancouver Canucks this past off-season and the winger enters his first training camp with the NHL club later this month.

Pope, a winger, will likely begin the season in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose.

Favourite current NHL player?

Alexander Ovechkin. He is energetic and not afraid to make a big hit.

Player his game is modelled after?

Growing up I liked Pavel Bure. He was always my favourite just because he was so fast and I was a (speed) type player. As I got older, in my junior days, I tried to be like Todd Bertuzzi. In one year when I was 16 or 17, I grew four inches and became one of the bigger guys.

How do you relax?

I like all leisure sports, I like to do everything. Or else I like to sit on my couch and watch a movie or get on the computer and surf the net. And playing Xbox 360.

What is on your iPod?

My iPod has everything. I think there is a time and place for everything. I grew up listening to country because of my parents. Before a game, it can be anything from hard rock to techno to try and get me pumped up. If it is a sunny day, I will listen to country; if I am out with friends, I will listen to rap and hip hop.

What book is on your nightstand right now?

Off the Bench and Into the Game by (Canucks assistant coach) Ryan Walter. I have read a couple of his books. They are good for someone striving to be a better player.

If you weren’t a pro hockey player, you would be?

In advertising. (Pope graduated from Bemidji State University with a business major with an emphasis in advertising/marketing). I really enjoy that and am good at it. I am creative so when hockey is done I will definitely get into advertising.

Role models?

My dad (Bud Pope) for sure. He has got an unbelievable work ethic and a lot of good qualities that I strive to be just like. I couldn’t have asked for a better role model growing up. He has been there for me all the time.

Jersey number?

I have always been #10. It was my dad’s number when he played hockey and baseball. When Bure came to the Canucks, he was #10 so that reinforced my love for that number. I also wore that number in junior and in university. When I got to Manitoba, Jason Krog had that number and he had a little bit more seniority so I was randomly assigned #42. I have asked Manitoba already for #10 so hopefully they will give it to me. Hopefully someday I will get #10 in the NHL.

First big purchase after signing?

A brand new Ford F150. It has always been my favourite truck. I would have liked a car, but if I go and play in Winnipeg, I wouldn’t want a car there so I got the 4x4 truck.

Favourite pre-game meal?

In Manitoba, we always went to Boston Pizza and I always got the spicy italian penne.

In high school, you were the?

Funny guy.

Nicknames?

Usually everyone just calls me Pope.