FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Penticton Vees Jr. A Hockey Club is pleased to announce 1996-born goaltender Mat Robson has committed to the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers for the 2017-18 season.
Robson says Minnesota is the perfect fit, “I felt really comfortable on my visit, as the coaches were great to me and I fell in love with the city; being a Toronto kid, I wanted to go to a big school. The program speaks for itself and they’re always contending for a national championship, and I want to be a catalyst to help them achieve that.”
The Toronto, Ontario, native has had stellar season for the Vees thus far, as he leads the BCHL in wins (18), goals-against average (1.90) and save percentage (.927); he’s tied for second in shutouts (2). Prior to joining Penticton, Robson spent last season as a redshirt freshman at Clarkson University. Prior to Clarkson, Robson played for his hometown team the Toronto Patriots in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) two years ago. Robson led the Patriots to an OJHL championship in 2015 and was named the OJHL playoff MVP that spring. He compiled a 16-6 record to go along with a 1.77 goals-against average and a sparkling .937 save percentage.
“Their facilities are second to none and playing in front of 10,000 fans every night is going to be exciting. Walking around the campus you can tell how much hockey means and how big of a deal it is, and I love playing in that type of environment.”
The University of Minnesota is situated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the Golden Gophers are a member of the Big Ten Conference. The Gophers are one of the most decorated programs in NCAA Division l hockey, as they’ve won five national championships, and have played in the Frozen Four Tournament 21 times and the NCAA Tournament 36 times. Don Lucia is in his 18th season as the Head Coach of the men’s hockey program. Past Vees’ alumni that have played at Minnesota include Connor, Mike and Ryan Reilly and Jack Ramsey. Connor Reilly is in his senior season and is an Alternate Captain this year and Ramsey is a sophomore. Mike Reilly is now playing with the Minnesota Wild in the NHL.
Robson is the 16th player on the Vees’ roster to secure an NCAA Division l commitment.
