Matt Stella grew up in Lansdale and was a student at North Penn High School all four years. During that time, he earned a reputation as a leader, a player who teammates looked up to and listened to. He excelled on the ice, playing a hard-nosed, high-scoring two-way game that earned him the respect of his teammates and opposition players as well. To Matt’s credit, what he learned from playing ice hockey has carried over into his aduit life. After graduating from college he became involved with NPIH again but at a coaching capacity and since 2019 has served as an assistant helping teach boys to become young men through teamwork. In 2026 he is taking on the role handed over to him as head coach.
Career Overview
North Penn Knights Varsity Stats
Towson Tigers ACHA Stats
Over 65 regular, post-season, and Flyers Cup games with North Penn, Stella recorded 55 goals and 89 assists for 144 points at a 2.22 points-per-game average.
- 2013-14: Flyers Cup: 2 GP, 0 G, 3 A, 3 TP
- 2013–14: “C” 17 GP, 15 G, 29 A, 44 TP
- 2012-13: Flyers Cup: 3 GP, 4 G, 2 A, 6 TP
- 2012–13: “A” 18 GP, 17 G, 27 A, 44 TP
- 2011-12: Flyers Cup: 2 GP, 0 G, 3 A, 3 TP
- 2011–12: 23 GP, 19 G, 25 A, 44 TP
- 2010–11: Junior Varsity
Suburban One Sports Player of the Week, March 4, 2014
Towson Tigers ACHA Stats
Over 127 regular-season games with Towson, Stella recorded 71 goals and 72 assists for 143 points at a 1.13 points-per-game average. Stella is the all-time points leader and second all time in games played behind fellow North Penn alum, Jeremy Snyder.
- 2014–15: 29 GP, 16 G, 15 A, 31 TP
- 2015–16: 29 GP, 19 G, 13 A, 32 TP
- 2016–17: 32 GP, 18 G, 15 A, 33 TP
- 2017–18: 37 GP, 18 G, 29 A, 47 TP
He also played one season in the 18U AA league with the Hatfield Ice Dogs (2013–14), scoring 18 points in 21 games .
Style and Role
Stella was known for his offensive production and two-way play, often contributing heavily to Towson’s playoff runs. His scoring surge in 2017–18, with 29 assists, made him one of the most impactful players in the program’s history.
Post-Career and Media
After retiring from hockey, Stella has appeared in interviews and podcasts, including Episode #38 of the Adam Rothstein Hockey Podcast, reflecting on his career at Towson.
Legacy
Stella’s four years with Towson left a lasting mark on the Tigers’ ACHA program, both on the ice and in the community. His scoring consistency and leadership made him a standout figure in the school’s hockey tradition.
In short: Matt Stella was a top-scoring forward for Towson University hockey, with a career defined by offensive production, playoff contributions, and a strong presence in the ACHA community.
Q&A with Coach, Matt Stella
Q: Taking over as the successor, what will your philosophy be?
A: Coach Stella – the coaching staffs philosophy won’t change. His philosophy reflected the vision of the board, and the club and I’m hoping to do similar.
Q: Entering your first season at the helm, what will your objectives be?
A: Coach Stella – Our objectives for the first season are the same as every year, our goal is to be competitive in the SHSHL, compete in and win the flyers cup, and to compete for the state championship.
Q: Is your overall approach the same or different from how Vaitis coached?
A: Coach Stella – We are very similar to one another. We are here to help these players grow into young adults, while giving them an opportunity to play the game they love. We want the kids to learn about being part of a team and making the most on the opportunities they are given. As a coaching staff we always expect each player to give 100% effort every time they put on the NP jersey.
