An '03 from Belchertown, Massachusetts, Pacheco has been a dedicated player under the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) umbrella since 2019. He began his junior hockey career with the Worcester Jr. Railers at the Eastern Hockey League Premier (EHLP) level, where he played 32 games in the 2019-20 season, recording four goals and five assists to his credit. In the following 2020-21 season, he continued with the Railers in the EHLP, playing 36 games and tallying six more goals and nine additional assists.

In the 2021-22 season, he actually split his time between the Railers' EHLP team, playing 18 games with four goals and six assists, and the Railers' EHL team, where he appeared in 24 games and contributed four assists. In the 2022-23 season, he began with the EHLP Railers, playing just a pair of games, finishing with a goal and an assist before moving up to the EHL team for 20 games, where he added six assists. For his final junior season in 2023-24, Pacheco moved to the Vermont Lumberjacks program, playing 46 EHL games with four goals and 12 assists for a total of 16 points.

"Matt is someone that every coach would want as part of their program," said Lumberjacks head coach Seth Gustin. "His determination, dedication, and commitment allowed him to earn this NCAA opportunity with Post University. We are extremely proud to be part of his development and junior hockey journey. He continued to push himself to get better every day. Whether at the rink or in everyday life—he did things the right way, led by example, and was a favorite among his teammates and coaching staff. We're very excited to see him continue to flourish in a college setting, and wish the best of luck to Matty!"

Pacheco shared his gratitude and excitement about his commitment.

"I am extremely excited to announce my commitment to Post University," said Pacheco. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank my friends, teammates, and my family, especially my brother Nathan, who is the reason I started playing this amazing game, and my mom and dad, who have dedicated so much of their time to my hockey career and allowing me to follow my dreams of playing college hockey. I would like to also thank Coach Bertoni, Coach Gustin, Coach Lowry, Coach Arcibal, Coach Addesa, and the whole Addesa family for always being by my side and pushing me to my limits. Without everyone who has supported me in my life, I wouldn’t be the hockey player, nor the young man I am today. I’m forever grateful for the Railers organization for believing in me at a young age and introducing me to junior hockey. My time with the Railers will always have a special place in my heart, teaching me many life lessons on and off the ice, while helping me develop my skills to get from the EHLP to the EHL. In my fifth and last year of junior hockey, I decided to play under Coach Gustin for the Vermont Lumberjacks. From the first day I met him, I felt appreciated and wanted on his hockey team. He spent countless hours with me in and outside the rink, whether it was trying to perfect my game or just talking about life. Words can’t describe how grateful I am for him and the Lumberjacks organization for helping me develop from the EHL to NCAA."

A handful of EHL alumni from this season will join Pacheco at Post, including Bradley McMains from the Boston Jr. Rangers, Jonathan Meijer from the Boston Jr. Terriers, Owen Atkinson from the East Coast Wizards, Keith Smilowitz from the Express Hockey Club, and Max Beaulac from the Railers.

Learn more about the Lumberjacks on the team's official website, and check out the full 2023-24 NCAA commitment list.