Matthew graduated from Grosse Ile, MI High School in 1998. He is a member of the Concordia College class of 2002, working towards a degree in business.
Matthew played for Lincoln Park from 1989-1998 in the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association as a goalie. His team placed second in the Michigan State Tournament in 1993. His team placed third in the Michigan State Tournament in 1991, 1992 and 1997. He was a volunteer youth hockey coach in Michigan while he was playing.