Rookie Profile: Mitch Matthews

[Antone10 18]

Mitch Matthews

Age 25

200 Pounds

6 foot 3 inches

 

VHLM Drafted: 26th Overall to the Las Vegas Aces

 

https://i.ibb.co/Rcn9N8K/Untitledpic.jpg

 

Profile:

Mitch Matthews comes from a seasoned history of hockey within his family. His parents were both excellent hockey players in their own rights prior to settling down and having a family. Matthews is a "good Ontario boy" who excelled at the defensive side of the game. Mitch has an eye for the net as well and can also send a beauty pass to his teammates. Matthews won many awards in minor hockey and high school hockey as he aimed his sights for the professional league. Mitch was often drafted early and sought out as the go to leader and defender of his teams.The fans of Las Vegas should be high in anticipation as Matthews will guard their blueline for the season ahead and perhaps another season following. His sights are set on the VHL but is in no rush to advance ahead if he can better his game at the minor league level.

 

Strengths:

Defence

Matthews is a pure shutdown dman. He can be put on the ice for every situation whether it be five on five, the penalty kill or event a three on three overtime. He has always been heavily relied on by his coaches of past and present to guide the play and defend when needed. Matthews brings strong hockey sense to the Vegas Aces blue line.

 

Skating:

Mitch can skate as smooth as butter. Matthews can join a rush and also get back to the defending blue line with ease. Strong cornering ability and awareness to turn on the jets when required. His eagerness to join the rush can be seen many times a night yet he rarely is caught too deep to defend should the play return the other direction.

 

Checking:

Mitch really can throw the body. Pure and simple if he wants the puck he will come away with the puck. The ability to deliver clean hits from his large frame brings a lethal edge to Matthews game.

 

Weaknesses:

Fighting

Matthews is not a fighter by choice. His large frame makes Mitch a visual threat but has never been known to drop the gloves on an opposing player. He will stand up for his teammates but in a cool calm and collected manner.

 

Scoring

With work Matthews can become a scorer but as his current goals are set to defending he will likely be a player who throws the puck to the net looking for a tip rather than slapping for top cheese. Time will tell if Mitch can increase his goal scoring ability.

 

Penalty Shots

Not too common will you see a defender sent out for a penalty shot or shootout attempt. Matthews with his current tool set is not a go to skater for the one on goalie moments. He has stated he would like to improve his scoring and creative ability and we are optimistic for what time will bring forth as his career in the VHLM gets underway.

Edited December 21, 2018 by Antone10