By Jake Courtepatte

Just a few short weeks ago, Matthew Steinburg walked across the stage for his high school graduation at St. Andrew's College.

On Saturday, he found himself walking across another stage in Vancouver; this time to put on the sweater of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche.

“I think they made the right decision,” said Steinburg after the draft. “I'm just going to try to do my thing, and be a guy that they're happy they picked.”

With a commitment to play for Cornell University next year of the NCAA, Steinburg has proudly worn the ‘C' for the St. Andrew's College Saints over the past season, posting 75 points in just 56 games. He was also a key component in the Saints CISAA championship run, posting eight points in the playoffs en route to a title.

Steinburg said there were “a lot of reasons” why he took the Canadian prep school route to the NHL.

“From the moment I stepped on campus, it seemed like it was the right spot for me,” said Steinburg, who sported his Old Boys tie on the day of the draft. “I want to represent them, and show some respect to the school. They have done a lot for me, and I think it was a big step for my development, and one of the reasons I'm where I am now.”

Chosen with the first pick in the third round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Steinburg was the second SAC hockey alumni to take on the Avalanche logo over the weekend, after high-end prospect Alex Newhook was drafted with the sixteenth pick in the first round on Friday. A Newfoundland native, Newhook spent time in both the SAC and York-Simcoe Express programs before making his way to the Victoria Grizzlies of the British Columbia Hockey League.

Both Steinburg and Newhook share another similarity outside of playing at SAC and now the Avalanche together: both are east coasters, with Newhook from St. John's, and Steinburg from Halifax, making it even more of a thrill to be drafted by the Avalanche in joining Halifax native Nathan MacKinnon.

“Joining Nathan MacKinnon and Alex Newhook, they're all guys that I'm pretty familiar with,” said Steinburg. “They're such high-end players. To be able to just tag along with them, and be sort of part of that journey, is really exciting.”

Newhook, who was surrounded by media on Friday night following his first round selection, said he was “on cloud nine” upon being such a high draft pick.

“I've just always wanted to better myself, always wanted to be the best that I can when I'm on the ice. I'm very fortunate to be here. It's unreal.”