Heath Bullish on Team Prospects

The team representing the US this July at the Junior World Championships in Switzerland is complete. Thomas Mattsson and Matt Domenick secured the No. 3 and 4 spots thanks to strong performances at the team playoffs over the weekend at Meadow Mill Athletic Club in Baltimore. Mattsson and Domenick join Todd Harrity and Alex Domenick, the No. 1 and No. 2 respectively, to comprise the team.

“They are very close in level,” said Martin Heath, the US Junior Men's Head Coach. “Matt is a great number 4 to bring in. On any given day either can win.”

The two split their matches this weekend, with Domenick winning 3-1 on Saturday and Mattsson winning the final 3-2. Mattsson’s place in the final looked questionable early on, as he had to defeat Nick Sisodia 3-0 in his second match to advance. Mattsson pulled it off.

“I was very impressed with how he did that,” Heath said. “The focus that he had and the resolve is something that as a coach you want your players to have when they are representing their country.”

Domenick said he was skeptical of his chances going into the playoffs.

“All of the players are really good and their matches could have gone either way,” he said. “I thought I played well. When I needed to, I came through.”

This team has a rare advantage: All four players hail from Philadelphia, meaning they can practice together if they choose. In another coincidence, both Matt Domenick and Adam Perkiomaki, who will play in the individual tournament, will be coached by Heath this fall as freshmen at the University of Rochester. The team’s next official practices will be at a week long camp in June.

US Junior Men's team
1. Todd Harrity
2. Alex Domenick
3. Thomas Mattsson     
4. Matt Domenick
5. Chris Hanson
6. Adam Perkiomaki
7. Clay Blackiston
8. Nick Sisodia

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