Prospect Report: Matt Finn

Kirsty Budd, Guelph Storm Staff

This summer GuelphStorm.com is catching up with the Storm’s latest prospects from across Ontario to find out a little bit more about them. We’re asking them everything from how they felt about being drafted to the Storm to what their summer plans are. Read on to learn more about the Storm’s potential next generation.

Matt Finn (pictured at the recent Team Ontario Under 17 Evaluation Camp) is already following in the footsteps of his favourite player, Drew Doughty, by being drafted by the Storm this year.

Finn, who was the Storm’s first-round pick, 12th overall, hopes to go on and continue to emulate the defenceman because he strongly admires Doughty’s poise and confidence, as well as how Doughty can play both ends effortlessly.  Finn models his own style on Doughty’s and counts the fact that he is a two-way player as one of the strengths he would bring to the Storm. His other strengths include penalty killing and the powerplay, which he ran for his team last season.

Finn plans to spend his summer working out and playing summer hockey. He will be in the gym five times a week completing an OHL/NHL specific program with a hill run every other week. He hopes to work on his skating and pivoting during the off-season.

He looks forward to the challenge of improving his game and isn’t scared of a little hard work. “My grandfather was a first generation immigrant from Italy who came to Canda with nothing and started a good life for his family. His work ethic amazes and inspires me.”

Finn clearly knows when to put his head down and get to work. “My mom has always told me not to pay attention to other people. She told me to just focus on myself and my own goals.”

When asked what goals he’s setting for his next season he replied, “I would just love to have ice time wherever I end up. I want to develop myself into the best player I can be and learn from the coaches and the older players.”

Finn loves the sport for many reasons: “I like hanging out with the guys both on and off the ice, the camaraderie is great and in the game anything can happen. You always have to be ready,” he said.

“Getting drafted was the highlight of my career and to be the Storm’s first pick was great…I was really just happy to be drafted. Guelph was definitely in my top choices and I can’t wait for training camp and to meet all the guys.”

Q and A with Matt

Favourite NHL Team? Toronto Maple Leafs

Favourite NHL player? Drew Doughty

Favourite pre-game meal? Mom’s chicken teriyaki and rice

Hockey nickname? Finner

Favourite pump-up song? Anything that’s on in the dressing room

Favourite colour? blue

Favourite car? Bentley

Most embarrassing hockey moment? Showing up to the rink once with no bag and no equipment, had to head back home to get it

Who would play you if they made a movie about your life? Vince Vaughan

Do you play any other sports? Baseball, played competitively for four years in Toronto and still play for school

If you signed a big NHL contract tomorrow what would your first purchase be? A cottage in Muskoka