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 last week, but he remains confident in his new role with the team, “Just remain confident, and with that, just getting playing time. They had so many Forwards in Lehigh, so 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. 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 has tallied two goals and two assists with the Phantoms in 19 games played. Still, Strome remains hopeful he can get another shot with the Phantoms this year, “Remaining confident is going to be huge for me,” Strome said, “If I get another chance this year with Lehigh, I’ll make the best of it.”
Do not give up on this young, natural goal scorer in Strome. He will do well in this stint with the Royals, as he has tallied three goals, and one assist in seven games played for them this season. Every prospect is different in terms of how they grow as a player. Strome still has an ability that the Flyers could use in the future, which is Goal Scoring.
