by Jacob Lazare |
As we continue through the offseason, it is time to take a look back at the season that was. The “Moving On” series will showcase all of our graduating players as they prepare for the next step in their hockey journeys and lives.
Last summer Express fans heard the news of a familiar netminder being acquired via trade. Kolby Matthews, a native of Coquitlam and alumnus of Burnaby Winter Club and the Vancouver NE Chiefs Major Midget program, was acquired by his hometown junior team from the Calgary Canucks of the AJHL. During his midget years Matthews had suited up a handle of times as an affiliate backup netminder, appearing in two games over his 16 and 17 year old seasons. The trade brought Matthews junior career full circle, and fittingly it ends right where it all started in Coquitlam. During the season Matthews received a commitment to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and he will begin his collegiate career this fall.
“I am super excited to be joining RIT next season. I can’t wait to get to campus and get things started. I have some work to do but I think with the summer ahead of me I’ll be heading into RIT ready to take on the opportunities that will be presented to me.” – Kolby Matthews
Matthews finished the season with a .900 save percentage, 3.01 GAA, and 1 shutout. He frequently found the highlight reel with some miraculous saves that usually had a positive impact on the tide of a game.
“What I really liked about playing for the Express was the standard that Coach Fortier installed onto our team. We truly believed that we could beat any team in our league and it made it easy for everyone to buy in. My best memory with the Express was beating Penticton 3-2 in a shootout. This game really showed our team that there wasn’t a team in the league that we couldn’t compete with. It showed that we could go into any rink and steal two points from any team. Playing in front of their crowd was a great experience and getting the win was even better.”
As a local goaltender, Matthews was always popular among fans. His positive attitude made him a favourite during post game fan skates with young boys and girls always lining up for an autograph. We wish Kolby the best of luck as he moves on to RIT next season!
