Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School alumnus Matt Saddler is a familiar face and voice to hockey fans across Ontario.
Many recognize the 24-year-old for singing the national anthem at their local rink. What they may not realize is that Saddler has just completed a two-year journey, performing “O Canada” in every arena in the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL), all to raise awareness for autism.
Saddler’s province-wide tour began in the fall of 2023 and recently concluded at the league’s all-star game in Tavistock.
Saddler said the journey began when he met his agent at a Hamilton Kilty B’s home game, where Saddler performs. A conversation led to anthem performances in Hagersville and Fergus. After those opportunities, his father suggested expanding the idea to include every Junior C team in the province, a goal that was realized two years later.
With the encouragement of his father, Saddler expanded the idea into a province-wide initiative focused on autism advocacy, a cause that is deeply personal to him.
“My dad decided we should travel all over the province to sing the national anthem to raise autism awareness. We have a charity organization called the Bursary of Hope...I'm obviously very proud of myself for this whole two-year journey that we've been on and spreading autism awareness is so important to me.”
At the heart of the initiative is Saddler’s lifelong connection to music.
“Singing is a special gift for me because I have perfect pitch and I can identify musical notes by ear,” said Saddler. “Music and singing have allowed me the opportunity to connect with people all over Ontario in order to spread autism awareness.”
Performing in packed arenas might intimidate most people, but Saddler says the stage feels natural to him.
Over two years, Saddler traveled from small-town rinks to larger community arenas, meeting countless families along the way. Those interactions, he says, have been life changing.
“There has been so many amazing people that I have met all over Ontario and too many incredible moments... but definitely the best moments have been when somebody affected by autism has come up and told me that I had a positive impact on their life.”
“I wish people would be more understanding of the differing needs of people with autism and that people with autism want to be included even though it may not always appear that way.”
For those who want to make a difference themselves, Saddler shares words of advice:
“I would tell them that doing anything at all would greatly benefit people with autism, as I have found out during my journey, and that you will never know who you may help or encourage with the smallest actions.”
Watch a video highlight of his accomplishment.
You can also look back on his journey on Facebook.
