NEWS

Cooper Matthews of the Wellington Dukes (photo credit – Ed McPherson | OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League beginning with the 2021-22 season.

The 2004-born forward from Belleville was a third-round pick (48th overall) of the Colts in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection after a 56-point (27 goals-29 assists) season with the OMHA-champion Quinte Red Devils U16 team. He put up 11 points (3g-8a) in eight postseason contests with Quinte and chipped in another eight points (5g-3a) in five games at the OHMA AAA tournament.

Matthews played 17 exhibition games for the Dukes and notched eight points (4g-4a) in limited action as the majority of the OJHL 2020-21 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Colts and the OHL are getting a tremendous hockey player and person,” said Dukes General Manager Rob Ridgley. "Coop exhibits determination and a skill set that will not only benefit him but the team as well. I wish him all the best as he as a very bright future".

Dukes Head Coach Derek Smith said Matthews has earned the promotion.

"Coop has a very bright future ahead of him in the game,” the former NHLer said on the Wellington website. “He has elite level skill and talent. He is a driven young man that puts the time in both on the ice and in the gym. We saw huge growth in his game this past season and are excited to see where his career takes him. Barrie is getting a great young hockey player, but an even better man. We wish Coop nothing but the best".

Cooper spoke very highly of the Dukes organization.

"Wellington was a great spot to start my junior career,” he said. “I learned so much from Derek (Smith) and the players on the team. It was a great group and I always looked forward to coming to the rink. I can't wait to get things started in Barrie and I'm really excited because I've heard lots of great things about the coaching staff, players and the organization.”

Barrie Colts Assistant General Manager Rob Stewart spoke highly of Matthews’ game.

“Cooper was fortunate to get some Jr. A games in last season and showed extremely well,” said Stewart. “He is a dynamic skating winger with good scoring prowess that will fit nicely with our club this coming season.”

Cooper is the sixth Wellington player to earn a commitment from this past season joining Aaron Brown (Quinnipiac), Evan Miller (RIT), James White (Ontario Tech), Ben Addison (Oswego State) and Tyler Ignazzitto (Albertus Magnus).

Congratulations to Cooper and best of luck in the OHL!

The OJHL, the largest Jr. A hockey league in Canada, has had more than 120 NCAA, U Sports, CHL and professional commitments in 2019-20 – including more than 45 NCAA Division I scholarships.

Check out all our 2020-21 commitments by clicking HERE

Wiith files from the Wellington Dukes and Barrie Colts