Fashion Lighting Player Spotlight – Matt Poitras
Born in Brooklin, Ont., seven-teen-year-old Matt Poitras was drafted by the Storm 12th overall in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. Previously playing for the Whitby Wildcats U16 AAA, the 5’11, 170lbs. right-handed forward had an impressive 2019-2020 season recording 26-goals and 42-assists in 36-games. In 34 games so far this season Matt has recorded 10-goals and 16-assists. Matt was included on the NHL Central Scouting ‘Players to Watch’ list for October 2021, as well as the mid-season NHL Central Scouting report, where he was ranked 23rd amongst the North American skaters.
HOW IT STARTED
Q: When and how did you become involved in hockey?
A: “Around the age of 3, both my parents played hockey, and my older brother already played hockey. So, it was natural for my parents to put me in as well, and I loved it.”
Q: Have you always been a forward?
A: “No. I tried every position, like most kids when they’re younger. But obviously, goalie wasn’t for me. In novice, I played defence for a little bit, but I kept rushing the puck, so I ended up being a forward.”
Q: Are there any players you style your game after, and if so, who?
A: “Brayden Point, because he’s not that big of a guy and has the skating ability. He can score and create offence.”
Q: Who would you say is your biggest support system?
A: “My parents, they’ve always driven me to everything and always supported me. They’ve always held me accountable in what I’m doing.”
HOW IT’S GOING
Q: How has your experience in Guelph been so far?
A: “It’s been awesome. All the boys get along so well, and I have made a lot of good friends. I love being at the rink all day, getting to work out and skate. It’s like the perfect lifestyle.”
Q: How would you describe the energy of this year’s team?
A: “We’re a very energetic group. I would say we’re exciting to watch, we’re loud and we all get along. Everyone expected us to be not very good this year, and we’ve proved a lot of people wrong. There’s really good energy in the room.”
Q: What motivates you to work hard?
A: “Wanting to be the best and play hockey at the highest level. My goals would not be possible without hard work.”
LOOKING FORWARD
Q: What are you personally working on the most this season?
A: “After practice just working on shooting and one-timers since I don’t have the greatest shot. I’ve been spending a lot of time on that. Now that we have not been playing as many games, I have been working on a lot more skills, after practice, we’ve had more time so I’ve been focusing on shooting the puck and working on my hands.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: “Hopefully in the NHL. That’s obviously in an ideal world, but just having the opportunity to play professional hockey somewhere.”
Q: What’s a piece of advice you’d give to someone pursuing an OHL career?
A: “Keep working hard and you have to love hockey. If you don’t love it, you won’t be able to do what we do every day. Just spending that much time at the rink and being dedicated to improving. You have to love being part of a team too.”
RANDOM RAPID FIRE
Q: Spotify or Apple music?
A: Spotify
Q: Jeans or sweatpants?
A: Sweatpants
Q: Tacos or wings?
A: Wings
Q: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Jake Karabela’s house
Q: What is your go-to cheat meal?
A: Jr. chickens from McDonald’s
Q: What is your favourite holiday?
A: Christmas
Q: What song would you sing at karaoke night?
A: We Are Young by Fun
