Matteo Koci Reflects on WHL Career in Kamloops
By Colton Davies – Follow Colton on X
Kamloops Blazers defenceman Matteo Kočí has wrapped up his WHL career and is off to play pro in Czechia next season. Before Kočí headed back, I caught up with him and chatted about his WHL career.
Kočí was drafted by the Blazers at No. 58 overall in the 2023 CHL Import Draft and made his debut in the blue and orange in 2023-24. During his first season, Kočí notched 15 points in 52 games. Now wrapping up his second full season, the Czech defender reflects on what it took to adapt.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned is playing on a smaller rink compared to the bigger rinks in Europe,” Kočí explains. “The structure is different, and we practice differently. The defensive play, especially in our zone, was a big adjustment. And of course, the fans here are amazing.”
Coming from Olympic-sized rinks over in Czechia, the transition was no small feat. The smaller rink in North America meant quicker plays and less time to react, a challenge he has worked hard to overcome but has loved. “Yeah, everything feels smaller, and you have less time to make plays,” he adds.
On the ice, Kočí prides himself on his versatility. “I can play both offense and defense, depending on what the coaches want. If I get the chance, I like to jump into the offense. But if it’s a tight game, I focus more on defense and adjust my game accordingly.”
His development has been guided by strong influences, particularly Blazers coaches Shaun Clouston and Don Hay. “They’ve told me to play harder and have really pushed me to improve,” he says. That hard work paid off; Kočí would go on to represent Czechia in two World Junior Championships, earning bronze medals both times.
“The first year, I was young, so I didn’t play much, but it was a great experience for me, my family, and my teammates,” Kočí said. “This year, I was ready because I had experience from the previous tournament. It was different, though—playing in Sweden, the rinks were quieter, and there weren’t as many fans. But this year, the atmosphere was amazing.” Blazers assistant general manager Tim O’Donovan reflected on Kočí’s time spent with River City, “When he came in last year, it took him a little bit, I thought, but he got the World Junior invite and then he really excelled,” said O’Donovan. “I think this year, it was kind of right from the start, he was really good for us. Then I thought, really in the last two months, I thought he was getting to another level and really took charge. Matteo was a great leader throughout.”
As a leader, Kočí helped out fellow Czech import player Vit Záhejský. Záhejský shared that, “Koci helped me with my mental game. Like we would talk after a game about what’s good or bad.”
For other young European players considering the move to North America following their CHL Import selection, Kočí has simple but valuable advice. “It’s an amazing experience to play in the best junior league in the world. Everyone says it’s a great league, but when you’re actually here, you realize it really is the best.”
Kočí finishes his WHL career appearing in 102 games with the Blazers and registering nine goals and 26 assists for 35 points.
With Czech hockey continuously on the rise to develop and compete with powerhouses like Canada and the U.S., it fills him with pride. “It’s exciting. I don’t know how to describe it exactly, but it feels great to see Czech hockey getting stronger.”