AUSTON MATTHEWS – GOES #1 TO CORKTOWN

July 24, 2016 Detroit Michigan.

The new Mid-West Hockey League kicked off their inaugural annual prospects draft in Detroit Michigan.

The first selection of the draft and the very first selection of the new league was owned by the Corktown Suds. The Suds General Manager Chris Demercurio, announced that Corktown selected a Center with ties to Michigan via the USA Development Program in Ann Arbor.

Corktown selects from Zurich in the Swiss National League – Auston Matthews.

Matthews is 18 years old from Scottsdale, Arizona. A high octane dynamo who thrives under the microscope, Auston Matthews is a complete offensive forward who consistently boasts quick hands, feet, and thinking at both ends of the ice. Naturally nimble skater who accelerates to top speed very quickly. An unwavering focus on fine tuning elements of his own game facilitates confidence and competence in his young, but mature, mind. Prolific goal scoring ability and doesn’t wait for opportunities to show themselves. He makes his own luck, so to speak, maximizing the use of his body and stick to gain leverage against the toughest of opponents. All-in-all, a generational talent who has the potential to develop into a top flight franchise center. (Elite Hockey Prospects)

Matthews is 6:02 and weighs 210 pounds. Matthews started his hockey career with the Arizona Bobcats playing both Bantams and Midgets with them before moving to Ann Arbor to join the US Junior Development program for 2 years. In the 2014-2015 for the USA U-18 team Matthews played 60 games scoring 55 goals and posting 61 assists. For the 2015-16 season he signed with the ZSC Lions (Zurich) in the Swiss National league where he played 36 games scoring 24 goals and adding 22 assists.

Matthews projects to be a MHWL All-star in the future and a lock to earn a roster spot for the 2017-2018