– Matthew Poitras –
Whitby Wildcats (ETA) | Centre | 2020 OHL Draft Eligible
Ontario, Canada | 5’10”, 165-pounds | March 9th, 2004
It was yet another successful season for the Whitby Wildcats in the ETA, as the squad skated to the second-best record in their league while establishing themselves as a threat for the 2020 OHL Cup in the process. Defined by their potent offensive attack and diligent defending, the Wildcats stand as an incredibly deep team and one which should not be taken for granted each time they take to the ice. Re-enforcing this mindset all season long was Matthew Poitras, a stellar young player whose tremendous work ethic and tireless internal engine set the pace for Whitby throughout each game they competed within. Further, as one of the ETA’s top-scoring players this past season, it is incredibly easy to understand why Poitras is regarded as a top prospect eligible for the 2020 OHL Draft.
Strengths:
- Work Ethic and Determination
- Skating Speed and Strength
- Playmaking Abilities
- Shot Power and Release
- On-Ice Intelligence and Vision
Poitras is regularly one of the hardest working players on the ice, of this there is not doubt. Regardless of the situation or the score, Poitras approaches each and every one of his shifts with the same mentality — out-work your opponents. And outworking opponents is exactly what Poitras has done in order to stand as one of the top prospects eligible for the 2020 OHL Draft, as the youngster is endlessly determined each and every time he takes to the ice. This drive — alongside ample skating speed and strength — allows Poitras to terrorize his opponents, as he is nothing other than a puck-hound who will work incredibly hard in order to sustain his team’s puck possession game.
Detroit little ceasars with the 2-0 win over Whitby impressed with #19 Matthew Poitras as he displayed a high level of work ethic & compete drove to the net in a power forward style #2020OHLDraft @TheScoutDotCa
— Zack Thompson (@ZThompson26) November 29, 2019
Once in control of the puck, however, is when Poitras is the most dangerous. Owing to his impressive vision, Poitras can devise and implement plays in the attacking zone in the blink of an eye as well as fire the puck on goal when opposing defenders afford him with far too much time and space. Although a pass-first player, Poitras’ shot continues to improve and he loves to lean into his shots and fire accurate attempts on-goal. This combined ability to create plays and score goals allows Poitras to stand as an unpredictable yet deadly force on the ice, as his versatility alongside his work ethic makes him a complete package downright impossible to stop on a nightly basis.
Areas for Improvement:
- Shot Accuracy
- Physicality
As mentioned above, Poitras’ shot continues to improve — and one particular aspect which Poitras would do well to refine is his accuracy. If able to pick and choose his spots with greater consistency, Poitras will be able to bulge the twine far more often while also creating rebounds for his fellow teammates in the chance that his attempt is turned aside. Further, owing to his solid frame, we’d like to see Poitras maximize his physical play — doing so will allow Poitras to knock opposing players off the the puck, shield possession with greater ease, and stand as an overwhelming force on the fore-check.
Future Potential:
Ultimately, Poitras boasts the skill set of a game-breaking player at the OHL-level. As one of the hardest working players on the ice on a nightly basis, Poitras’ raw determination to ensure success for his team will carry significant weight come the 2020 OHL Draft. Once he boasts a refined skill set and experience in the major-junior ranks, expect the Wildcats’ captain to become a premier offensive player for whichever OHL franchise is fortunate enough to land the promising youngster.