TAMPA — Matthew Darsch’s Return to Tampa
Matthew Darsch made it known that his return to Tampa would feature a different roster of players and coaches than when he last played for his former team.
During Saturday’s Islanders-Lightning game, Darsch couldn’t make an impact after the puck dropped, letting him walk around Tampa largely unrecognized. Yet, there was a feeling reminiscent of a prodigal son returning.
Darsch spent six seasons as the assistant general manager under Julien Brisebois, contributing to the Lightning’s Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. This summer, he took the helm with the Islanders.
Reflecting on his time in Tampa, Darsch remarked, “I had a great six years here. The staff, the coaches, and management—there weren’t many people in the arena this morning, but I caught up with some of them in New York last week, and it was all good vibes.”
He added, “It was 22 degrees when I left New York, and it was 80 degrees when I got here. You don’t forget that. It’s fun to be back, but ultimately, it’s about the players on the ice.”
The Islanders headed into Saturday’s game having already secured wins against Tampa Bay and Colorado, ending a 3-3-1 homestand on a high note. Darsch described next week’s lineup—featuring games against Florida and home matches against Las Vegas, Anaheim, and the Lightning—as “a challenge.”
Despite the defeat, the Islanders secured a 2-1 win over the Lightning just last Tuesday, granting Darsch some bragging rights against Brisebois, even if Brisebois was back atop the standings on Saturday.
“This really means something,” noted Darsch’s younger brother, JP, who is joining the Islanders on the team’s father and coach trip this weekend. “He holds much gratitude for everyone here, especially Julien Brisebois and the staff, whom I’ve met on previous trips. They are all great people, and I think he is eager to reclaim his ‘W’ back.”
JP Darsch, a former long snapper for the Seahawks and Chiefs, is now among Kansas City’s medical staff. He and Mathieu both attended McGill University, playing on the football team together for a year before Mathieu decided to focus on hockey.
To be frank, that decision turned out to be the right one. Darsch had a playing career that lasted over a decade, followed by a brief phase in corporate life and then successful management roles. “Hockey has always been his passion. He worked in media for a French-language channel in Montreal, allowing him to stay connected with the sport while playing,” said JP. “Then, it came down to the opportunity in Tampa. He faced a tough choice—uprooting his life for a dream job.”
Furthermore, “He took that chance, and it paid off. I was genuinely happy for him. We talked about it, and I told him it was his chance to pursue his dream.” Ultimately, it turned out well for him.
Interestingly, both brothers have championship rings. JP captured three victories with the Chiefs, while they both aspire for the next championship to come with the Islanders. “We’re going to win some cups,” JP declared. “My earliest memory of hockey is the Islanders winning the Stanley Cup in the early ’80s. It’s ingrained in me.”
