Locals Mattheos, Conrad Snipped as Moose Finalize Roster

The Manitoba Moose have parted ways with forwards Stelio Mattheos and Colt Conrad in advance of the 2023-24 home opener. 

Set to face off against the Calgary Wrangles on Friday night at Canada Life Centre, the Moose announced the news that the club cut two of its Manitoba made training camp invitees, paired with the announcement of its opening night roster. 

Opting to keep fellow Manitobans Dawson Barteaux (Foxwarren), Ashton Sautner (Flin Flon) and Dean Stewart (Portage la Prairie) following final cuts, there still will be some homegrown talent on board for the 2023-24 iteration of the Moose. 

Mattheos is the more intriguing name of the two snips, as the former No. 1 overall WHL Bantam Draft selection and captain of the Brandon Wheat Kings failed to crack the squad after having spent parts of the past five seasons within the AHL. 

Now 24, the Winnipegger will either look elsewhere within the league for a shot at an AHL deal or report to his respective ECHL squad for the fall months. 

Conrad, who turned 26 this past April, spent the past two years within the Vegas Golden Knights organization, suiting up in 83 total games with the Henderson Silver Knights. The 5-foot-10, 183-pound Brandonite has 14 goals and 38 points in 115 AHL games since signing professional following his four-year career with Western Michigan. 

Although the dream of playing for the hometown team may now be over for 2023-24, the opportunity to land a spot within the organization's ECHL affiliate isn't out of the question. 

The Moose play the Wranglers at 7:00 PM central time on Friday, before wrapping up the two-game mini-series on Sunday afternoon. Both games can be viewed live on AHL TV for free in a trial run this weekend.

Manitoba Moose 29-man opening night roster:

Goaltenders:

Defencemen:

Forwards: