Mateo Muto on the move
He has thus far risen through the ranks of the Sault Major Hockey Association. But Mateo Muto, a highly regarded 2010 birth year defenceman, has opted to depart Sault Ste. Marie effective the upcoming ’25-26 season to play at the prep level for BioSteel Sports Academy of Windsor.
Muto heads to Windsor after playing at the Under 15 AAA level for the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Northern Ontario Hockey Association in ’24-25. At 5 foot 10, 155 pounds, Muto combines athleticism with skill and a good work ethic. He averaged just over a point every couple of games with the U15 AAA Jr. Greyhounds this past season.
Kyle Makaric is the head coach of the Windsor based Under 16 level prep team at the aforementioned BioSteel Sports Academy, which is part Hockey Canada’s Accredited School Program. And Makaric offered his assessment of Muto, who will be eligible for the 2026 Ontario Hockey League priority selections draft.
“First of all, we are very excited to bring Mateo on board for the upcoming season,” Makaric relayed to Hockey News Windsor. “He is a highly skilled defenseman and we like the potential that he brings to our D core. He is a great skater and will be able to help us push the pace in games. We are looking forward to seeing his impact with our group.”
Joining Muto at BioSteel Sports Academy in Windsor come the ’25-26 season will be a second 2010 birth year skater from Sault Ste. Marie in forward Eli Chapman.
Meanwhile, as was earlier reported by Hockey News Windsor, 2011 birth year goalie Owen Whitehead is also leaving Sault Ste. Marie for Windsor effective the ’25-26 season.
Whitehead — who helped to backstop the Under 14 AA level Soo Jr. Greyhounds to an NOHA championship in ’24-25 — has signed with the Under 15 top rep level Tecumseh Eagles of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association for the ’25-26 season. Whitehead will also be the affiliate goalie for the Under 15 AAA Windsor Jr. Spitfires of the Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario.
