Lessons into practice

MONTREAL – Entering his fifth pro season, Stefan Matteau firmly believes the time has arrived to make his mark in the NHL.

Set to embark on his first training camp experience with the Canadiens, the 22-year-old forward is out to catch the collective eyes of team brass in the hopes of being a mainstay in the lineup in 2016-17.

Acquired from the New Jersey Devils at the trade deadline last February, Matteau made 12 appearances for Michel Therrien’s troops down the stretch. Briefly getting a taste of sporting the CH on his chest only inspired him further heading into an extended summer break.

“Everything about this is something I want so badly. Now, I have the chance to get it. Why waste it? I’m here and I’m ready to go,” said Matteau, who spent his offseason working out in Boisbriand at Centre Performe Plus with trainers Stephane Dube, Stefano Lanni and Philippe Dion. “The fact that I’m from here, it obviously drives me so much more. I’m going to do whatever it takes to stand out and get noticed. I’m a big guy, so I’ll use my physicality and just play hard.”

While Matteau says he made several adjustments over the past few months in the gym, including putting in plenty of extra time on upping his speed and endurance alike, he also made an effort to change his overall thought process when it comes to dealing with the day-to-day realities of trying to establish yourself at hockey’s highest level.

“It’s really just been about calming down and not worrying too much. I’ve matured a lot over the years, too. I’m focusing on the things I can control and not on the things I can’t. …

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