Bruins assign Storm’s Poitras to Canada’s National Junior Team

The Boston Bruins announced Monday that Guelph Storm centreman Matthew Poitras will join Canada’s National Junior Team for the 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship set to begin on Boxing Day in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The 19-year-old Poitras turned heads early in the season, making the Bruins roster out of training camp to appear in 27 games, recording 13 points (5-8–13) during his time in the NHL so far. The Brooklin, Ont. native was a 95-point scorer in Guelph during the 2022-23 season, recording 16 goals and 79 assists in 63 games for the Storm. Guelph took Poitras with the 12th overall pick of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

“This is quite an accomplishment for all young hockey players to have a chance to represent their country at one of the biggest stages,” said Bruins GM Don Sweeney of the move. “There’s really no downside to go and be a leader on that team and hopefully accomplish the ultimate goal that all young players want to accomplish.”

Poitras was selected by the Bruins with their second round (54th overall) pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, developing at a rapid pace to reach the NHL prior to his 20th birthday.

“Every year around Christmas time it’s the best time of the year because on Boxing Day you get to turn on the World Juniors,” said Poitras. “I’ve been watching Canada play every single year, it’s a good opportunity and I’m very excited.”

“This is kind of what I had in the back of my mind all summer,” he added. “Go to Guelph, have a good start and hopefully get the opportunity to play for my country. It didn’t exactly work out that way, but I still get the opportunity to go and I’m excited.”

Poitras joins five other OHL players on Canada’s roster, including London Knights teammates Oliver Bonk and Easton Cowan, Kitchener Rangers forward Carson Rehkopf, Peterborough Petes forward Owen Beck and Soo Greyhounds forward Owen Allard.

🎥Matt Poitras on heading to #WorldJuniors: "This is what I had in the back of my mind all summer…go to Guelph, have a good start, and hopefully get the opportunity to play for my country. It didn't exactly work out that way but still get the opportunity to go. I'm excited." pic.twitter.com/xVGNMQxMpI

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 18, 2023