'It was a whirlwind'

Typically, in the days after a season ends, players hightail it back to their summers abode for some well-deserved R&R.

For Matt Coronato, those decadent plans were instead put on the backburner.

After all, he had something far more important on the go.

"It was a whirlwind," laughed Coronato, who made the trek back to Harvard University after realizing his childhood dream and suiting up in his first NHL contest - but missing almost three weeks of class.

"A couple of my other buddies were doing it, too. Sean (Farrell) went out to Montreal, and Henry (Thrun) - who I got to play against - was in San Jose. We all got back at the same time. It was a lot of fun to be back at school, to see all the guys and hang out. And most importantly, we got a lot of work done."

Coronato's NCAA squad, the Harvard Crimson, were eliminated in the regional semifinal back on March 24. Two days later, he signed his entry level contract with the Flames and was immediately on a plane bound for Calgary. Then, after a few weeks of practice, he made his long-awaited debut on April 12 against Thrun and the Sharks, recording four shots and coming within an eyelash of netting his first-career goal.

For both the player and Flames fans everywhere, it was a glimpse into the future of what could play out on Saddledome ice on a regular basis this fall.

But that didn't change Coronato's other dream of ensuring a future off of it, too.

"I honestly didn't know what I wanted to do for most of my time at Harvard," Coronato said. "But then, I started taking a few elective classes in psychology and found it really interesting, so declared it as my major. The brain has always interested me, so it seemed like a good fit.

"In some of the classes, they even talked about sports and life as an athlete - focusing on mindset going into practices, going into games. I didn't really expect it to relate to my career going in, but I've learned a lot so far and I've really enjoyed it.

"I still have a little bit to finish up in the summer and get some credits.

"Then, eventually, get my degree."

Coronato comes from an athletic family, with his father, Richard, having played lacrosse at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. and with his younger brother, Jake, doing a bit of both - skating in high-level Triple-A hockey, before making the switch, full time, to the turf life in Long Island, NY.

But there had to be a balance.

And setting a plan for life away from the rink remained one of his top priorities growing up.

Coronato - who also represented the U.S. at the IIHF World Championship in May, recording eight points (3G, 5A) in 10 games - was recently named to the ECAC Men's All-Academic Team, which celebrates student-athletes that "follow a successful playing season with stellar marks in the classroom."

The pysch major was one of nine Harvard sophomores - and 29 total - competing in a variety of sports to earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00.

The normally stoic Coronato smiles at the very mention of this achievement.

"School has always been really important to me and my family," he said. "I have two younger siblings who are both going to go to school, too, so you always want to set a good example and make those around you proud.

"I'm grateful to the program and the school for everything they've done for me."

Of course, all good things must come to an end. Coronato is no longer a full-time student, but a professional hockey player eager to make his mark in The Show.

The experience in April may have given a brief taste, but the hunger he has now is louder, deeper, and more guttural than ever before.

"I'm always thinking about working my hardest and putting myself in the best possible position," he said. "Whether that's last year or this year, I'm working out the same way - trying to get quicker, stronger, and to prepare myself the best I possibly can. Next month when I move out here, maybe things will feel a little more surreal, but for right now, I'm doing everything I can to put my body and my (mind) in the best position to come into camp and play my best.

"Honestly, it's great that I'm out here again for Development Camp. It's great to (familiarize) myself with the city. I really love it here in Calgary and the couple weeks I spent here in the spring, I had a great time.

"I'm going to go home for a month after this, but then I'm coming right back out here.

"I'm happy to be here and I'm really excited."