The Steinbach Pistons are excited to announce the addition of Matthew Thiessen to the organization’s full-time staff as Tickets and Fan Experience Manager. A familiar face both on the ice and in the community, Matt brings a rare combination of local roots, professional hockey experience, and a background in marketing that makes him an exceptional fit for the Pistons organization.
For Director of Business Operations Kevin Geisheimer, adding Thiessen to the staff felt like a natural next step for our organization.
“We’re thrilled to have Matt join us full-time,” said Geisheimer. “The Pistons averaged 1,885 fans per game during the regular season and topped 2,100 fans on average during the playoffs, and we’re not slowing down. Growing our season ticket base and expanding group sales are priorities heading into next season, and Matt has exactly the background and passion to help us get there.”
With attendance already ranking among the top in Canada, the Pistons are building something special at the Southeast Event Centre—and Thiessen’s role will be central to sustaining and growing that momentum.
Born in Steinbach and raised in Altona, Manitoba, Matthew Thiessen has deep roots in the province’s hockey landscape. He developed his game through minor hockey in Altona before suiting up for two seasons with the Pembina Valley Hawks and one season with the RHA Nationals in Winnipeg.
His path then brought him to Steinbach, where he became part of something memorable. As a 17-year-old starting goaltender, Matt was a key piece of the 2017–18 Pistons team that captured both the MJHL Championship and the Anavet Cup, a banner that still hangs with pride at the Southeast Event Centre.
That championship season launched a remarkable hockey career. Thiessen was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks and went on to play in the USHL with the Dubuque Fighting Saints before heading to the NCAA. He spent three seasons at the University of Maine and two at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, competing at the highest level of college hockey. Among his teammates along the way was Jeremy Swayman—now the starting goaltender for the Boston Bruins.
Thiessen graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management, a credential that now directly serves his new role with the Pistons. Stepping into the front office doesn’t mean Thiessen is stepping away from the game. He will continue in his role as goalie coach for the Pistons during the season
The entire Pistons organization is proud to welcome Matthew Thiessen to the team and looks forward to the energy he brings to the front office. On a personal note, we’d also like to extend our congratulations to Matt on his upcoming wedding on August 22nd.
Welcome to the Pistons family, Matt. The best is ahead.
