Photo Credit: www.hockeydb.com
Confidence is a key word that often defines players in the world of sports. Without confidence the player may not play well, might be beat up mentally, and it’s just tough to overcome some type of injury which could shatter an athletes’ confidence.
Matthew Strome was sent back to the Reading Royals in December, but he remained confident in his new role with the team, “Just remain confident, and with that, just getting playing time,” Strome told me following a game in December, “Getting to work on the Power Play here is going to be huge for me.”
Strome was born on January 6, 1999, in Mississauga, CAN. He began playing hockey at a young age, and his love for the sport found himself playing for the Hamilton Bulldogs for the 2018-19 season. He endured quite a season registering 28 goals, and 51 assists for a total of 79 points in 68 games played. After this breakout season, Strome really showed he can put the biscuit in the basket. Furthermore, he also tallied two apples in six games played with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms last year, as he was able to get his feet wet the the Professional level before the off-season.
It’s no secret that Strome is gifted offensively, however, the one area of his game that he continues have to improve upon is his skating. He worked hard this past Summer with a skate coach in this exact area of his game. It may also be one reason why he slipped to 106th in the draft. Whatever the case may be, the good thing is Strome realizes he has to continue to work on it, and knowing is half the battle.
“I think it’s good,” Strome told me in December, “Just got to get the cardio up. If I get another chance, I want to be able to keep up. I just have to keep working.“
The young 21-year-old prospect worked hard in the off-season, in what would be his first Professional season of hockey. Strome has seen time with the Phantoms and the Royals this season, and he currently stands at 6′4″ and weighs 205 pounds. He can board battle, as Strome tallied two goals and two assists with the Phantoms in 19 games played, but killed it with the Reading Royals by potting 9g,11a in 25 games played for them. He really regained some confidence before the season was suspended to the Coronavirus.
Strome is so talented offensively. He has one heck of a shot, and is highly accurate with it. Strome can score in bunches, and when he does watch out. He is definitely a prospect to watch next season, whether he plays for the Royals or Phantoms.
Do not give up on this young, natural goal scorer in Strome. He did well with the Royals, and really looked like that player from Juniors. Every prospect is different in terms of how they grow as a player, so patience is key with Strome. Strome still has an ability that the Flyers could use in the future, which is Goal Scoring.
Jamey, you are such a dedicated writer and for fans of the game(hockey), a great asset to have when it comes to telling us how exciting the future looks, for the Flyers. Believe me, we need your stories on all the great kids that are coming in the future. That said, I want to say that Matt Strome is possibly the next James vanReimsdyk. He and JVR play a nearly identical game. They both use their size To get in front of the net to create havoc. Strome is tough as nails and when you look at his expression, even coming off of the ice, he can scare you. He just looks rough and tough and his big frame is definitely intimidating. I’ve watched him at the Flyer’s development camp the last two seasons and he scares me even though he’s on the other side of the glass! He’s got that nasty look for sure.
Ok, so Matt Strome is scary, but I also noticed he’s a great team guy. He is a practical joker and uses his straight face to be funny too. You can tell his teammates aren’t sure if he’s serious or just a practical joker.
Strome has some nice skills around the net. He can’t be moved and he has nice hands. His skating has always been suspect, but so is JVR’s speed. I believe Strome could be a fan favorite if he dropped his gloves once in awhile. He could be a handful in a scrum I’m sure. Anyway, Matt Strome is a very interesting prospect. Is he the “Missing Link?” We shall see in the next year or so.