Pelham senior and ice hockey forward Matthew Veteri put together a standout final season, earning recognition as a 2026 All-State Honorable Mention for Division II from the Hockey Coaches Association of New York. He also received All-Section and All-League honors, highlighting how strong his performance was throughout the year.
As a team captain, Veteri led the Pelicans offensively with 55 total points, including 36 goals and 19 assists. He delivered in key moments, recording multiple hat tricks and scoring a game-winning overtime goal against Rye Country Day. He also showed his ability to compete at a high level by scoring against top teams like state champion Suffern and runner-up Rye.
Even though he ended his career as one of the team’s top players, in an interview, Veteri said his start in hockey was not easy. “My parents first got me into hockey because they knew how special Pelham Hockey was,” he said. “At the beginning I couldn’t skate and I hated it but then they had me go back and I then figured it out and began to love to play hockey. Some of my best friends I made through Pelham Hockey and I am so grateful for that.”
Veteri said that his success was shaped by the people around him. “I was honored to be recognized as an all-state player but it would not have been possible without my team, although only I got recognized. I never would have been close if I wasn’t playing with such a special group of guys,” he said. He also credited his teammates as the most important part of his experience. “The great teammates I’ve had throughout my varsity career were definitely the biggest impact on my athletic career not just because of the players they were but more importantly the great people they are.”
One of his favorite memories came from unexpected wins against Skaneateles. “My favorite memory from Varsity was beating Skaneateles my sophomore and senior year, we were not expected to beat them either time and we went up to their rink and beat them and it was just a very special win my team and I would say that game and the trip in general were some of my favorite memories.”
The Pelicans entered the season with high expectations, aiming for both a section and state championship. “I was motivated to keep getting better because we all wanted and knew we could win a section and a state championship and that was the goal at the end of the season,” said Veteri. “We fell short of our goal but still we had an incredible season and I loved every second of it.”
Reflecting on his varsity career, Veteri encouraged younger athletes to appreciate the experience. “I would tell younger athletes to just cherish the memories you are making and have fun with it because it all comes to an end eventually so just enjoy the time you have playing,” he said. Looking back, he expressed gratitude for his time on the team. “Playing for the varsity team were experiences and memories I will never forget and I am very grateful I got to be a part of such a special group.”
