The Coquitlam Express have bolstered their goaltending position just prior to the opening of training camp next week with the acquisition of local product Kolby Matthews (99) from the Calgary Canucks of the AJHL for future considerations.
The Coquitlam native is coming off his first full season of junior hockey and is familiar to local hockey followers.
Matthews split last season with the Battlefords Northstars (SJHL) and Calgary Canucks (AJHL).
In 10 games with Battlefords, he posted a 9-1 record with a 2.46 GAA and a .911 save percentage.
On November 30, 2017 he was traded to the Calgary Canucks. In Calgary, he posted a 9-6-1 record with a 4.40 GAA and .886 save percentage. But it wasn’t uncommon for Matthews to face 35+ shots per night, something he did 11 times last season posting a record of 7-3-0-1 in those games.
In the playoffs he posted a 1-3 record while facing 34+ shots per game in all 4 contests.
He has made two cameo appearances with the Express as an affiliate player playing in one game in each of the 2016-17 and 2015-16 seasons.
“My start 2 years ago was very memorable. It was a big moment in my career and it showed me that I can compete in the BCHL. Playing for my hometown city gave me that extra push to want to do well.”
-Kolby Matthews on his February 2017 start for the Express
Kolby played his major midget hockey in Coquitlam spending two seasons with the Vancouver North East Chiefs of the BC Major Midget league. He posted spectacular numbers during the 2016-17 season with a 21-3 record with a stingy 1.81 GAA. His 21 wins were tops in the BCMML that season.
Matthews will be on the ice next week when the Express open training camp on Monday. They will have intrasquad games during the week. Monday’s game starts at 7pm at the Porier Sports and Leisure complex.
Welcome to the Express Kolby.
Kolby Matthews save 2017 vs Chilliwack
by Eddie Gregory
