Professional hockey player Matt Duchene moved to Dallas in 2023, the same year he played his 1,000th NHL game. Duchene has played with teams including the Colorado Avalanche, Ottawa Senators, Nashville Predators, and Columbus Blue Jackets. He has also played in the Olympics
for Canada. Last year, the Stars announced they had signed Duchene to a four-year extension contract that runs through 2029. Here is a snippet of our recent interview with Duchene:
Tell us about when you knew you wanted to be a professional hockey player? “Honestly, from the time I knew what hockey was as a young boy growing up in Canada, I knew I wanted to play hockey. All I wanted to ever do is play in the NHL and do what I do for a living. So, I feel very blessed every day to be able to do it. I never really knew anything else; I love to play now as much as I did then.”
What has your career journey in hockey been like? What stands out to you when you look back? “So much stands out. Honestly, it has been the entire journey. There are so many memories that I remember and remain thankful for: developing as a young player, the day I was drafted, my first NHL game, my first goal, my first time in the playoffs. There have been a lot of great
things the last few years here in Dallas that have been really special. We love it here.”
What has been your most memorable moment professionally?
“There really isn’t just one. There have been some great moments. Getting named to Team Canada for the Olympics in 2014 was special and then winning gold.”
What has been your biggest challenge in your career?
“One of the hard things to deal with is managing the tough business decisions that come along with playing in the NHL. You have to stay even-keeled and keep believing in yourself, no matter what. It’s worked out for me, and I am very thankful for all I’ve experienced.”
Which achievements are you most proud of? “I’m most proud of making it to the NHL. It was a goal as a kid and to have the success and longevity I have had has been more than I ever dreamed of. I’ve had some great teammates and played in more than 1,200 games, counting the playoffs. It’s been a great ride.”
Who has been your biggest mentor or inspiration? “I’ve had a lot of really great people help me along the way; however I must say that my dad has had the biggest effect on my career, mainly because of what he did for me early on, to help me have success and make it as a player. For him to still be there for me every day, through everything I go through, has been great.”
What do you love about living in Dallas? What about The Park Cities specifically?
“Dallas is great; we love living in the Park Cities. I don't think there's a better place to raise your kids in the United States or North America. It's incredible. The neighborhoods are great and that goes back to the people. We’re often in a golf cart in our neighborhood and it’s a family-like atmosphere all around. The schools, the people, everyone is just incredible. We're beyond
blessed and grateful to be here.”
What are some of your favorite restaurants and places to go in Dallas? “There are too many to count! Dallas has some fabulous food, some of the best I have ever tasted.”
What is one of your main goals for the next phase of your career/life? What would you like to do after your playing days? “It’s a good question. Whatever it is, I know I would like to be focused on my family and my kids. I’ll cross that bridge when I get there, but right now, I still enjoy playing hockey so much.”
What does your family mean to you? “My family is everything to me. My wife, my kids, my mom and dad, my entire family, everyone in our circle — they're my support system, and I've had a lot of great people in my life. But
those people are the ones that I know are my rock.”
“I’ve had some great teammates and played in more than 1,200 games, counting the playoffs. It’s been a great ride.”
“We love living in the Park Cities. I don't think there's a better place to raise your kids in the United States or North America.”