Skill, offence, and leadership – three words that would describe the newest recruit for the Nipissing Lakers men’s hockey team.
The Lakers continue to add to their blueline, as they are happy and proud to announce the signing of Matt Paul after he finished his junior career with the South Shore Lumberjacks of the MHL.
Paul was captain this past season and posted 38 points in 49 games, as well as 11 points in 12 games in the post-season.
“It’s very exciting for my family and me. I’ve been looking forward to continuing my education full-time and being able to do so while playing for the Lakers hockey program is very exciting,” Paul said. “I chose Nipissing because I heard lots of good things about it and felt it was the best fit for me.”
Former Lakers forward Brogan Bailey, who is an assistant coach with the Lumberjacks, was part of the recruiting process.
“We are happy that Brogan continues to help us in terms of recruiting now that he has returned home to the East Coast,” McParland said, adding Paul is a really nice addition to his team’s blueline. “After hearing from Brogan we are very excited to add Matt.”
In 143 games in the MHL with three different teams, Paul finished with 87 points – 26 of which are goals.
Paul also spent time in the QMJHL with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.
The 6-foot-1, 181-pound defenceman believes the offensive side of the game is where he excels.
“I’m a defenceman that likes to play both ends of the ice, but more of an offensive upside. My biggest strength is my skating,” he said.
Transitioning from junior to the OUA/USports is a perfect fit for Paul and he believes his five year-career will allow him to jump in and make a positive impact.
“Junior will help me transition to the OUA because it gave me a few years to develop physically and work on different areas of my game,” he explained.
This is the second high-end defenceman McParland has signed and he believes the pair – the other is Nik Kalpouzos of the Toronto Patriots – will give his team a boost from the backend.
McParland is confident in Paul’s ability and that he’ll contribute to the team in his freshman season.
“He was one of the top defensemen in the Maritimes this year. We are looking forward to this offensive orientated defensemen joining the Lakers and going to school at Nipissing,” the veteran coach explained.
Paul will be enrolling in business at Nipissing and is ready to get going with his new team.
“I hope to be able to have as much of an impact as I can for a first-year player,” said the native of Hartland, NB.
