By Kerry J Newstead
HAGERSVILLE—Before the Hagersville Hawks took the ice to play their county rivals, the Dunville Mudcats, a remarkable young man was waiting on the sidelines.
Matt Saddler of Hamilton was diagnosed at three years of age with autism. Since then he has battled through his adversity to become an award winning musician and has a rare talent of having perfect pitch.
While in high school at Bishop Ryan, Saddler was part of the 250 voice choir. They have toured throughout Canada and the United States. Now at the age of 23, he has set his goal to sing the national anthem at 50 different hockey venues. With his perfect pitch and the November 9, 2024 game in Hagersville, he is almost halfway to his goal.
When asked what it was like to sing in front of so many people, he replied, “I think it is great to do that, because I have perfect pitch and I get to use my talent for others. Go out on the ice and sing like an opera singer and everyone is watching you – and everyone cheers for you at the end. And it is just great.”
Maybe with his singing, he helped the Hawks win a resounding 8-2 victory over the Mudcats.
