NEWS

The OJHL announced today that Toronto Patriots netminder Mathew Robson (photo credit - Andy Corneau/OJHL Images) has been named the Gongshow Gear Goaltender-of-the-Month for February after posting a perfect 6-0-0 record with a 1.74 goals against average.  

The 18-year old moved to the Patriots during last off-season from Lindsay and has been instrumental in the club capturing a second consecutive South Division crown.  Posting the third best save percentage in the OJHL during February, .943, he kicked-off the month with a 24 save, 4-0 shutout of their division rival, the Toronto Jr. Canadiens.  Robson followed that up by reeling off five consecutive victories to close out the season, including two 30+ save efforts over Pickering and Mississauga, as well as wins over Wellington and Whitby from the East.

"The award means a lot to me personally, but should also be celebrated by my teammates because it doesn't happen without their defensive play," said the veteran backstop upon hearing of the honour.  It feels good to be recognized amongst a group of deserving candidates. This is a good cherry on top to a successful season with the Patriots, but were looking to ramp it up going into the post season."

"As a team, we feel as though we have really come together after the trade deadline," said Patriots Assistant General Manager Ryan Daniels.  "Mat has been playing with a lot of confidence which I believe is a major reason for his personal success and the success of our team. He was very consistent, made saves for us when we needed to him too, and gave us a chance to win every night. 
From the beginning of the season, Mat has been a major contributor to the success of our program. He has made the most out of the opportunity to come to us from Lindsay and it's very gratifying to see him be rewarded for his strong play this season, including being selected to the Central Canada Cup and Team Canada East Selection Camp."

Daniel Urbani of the Kingston Voyageurs was runner-up to Robson as the Goaltender-of-the-Month.  The B.C. native posted a 5-1-0 record on the month, including two shutouts, a 1.31 goals against average and a .947 save percentage.

Born on March 26, 1996, Mathew Robson is a native of Mississauga, Ontario.  Robson would find his way to the prestigious Toronto Marlboros 'AAA' organization, playing through to his minor midget season.  Highlights while with the Marlies include Silver Stick titles and championships.

Robson would taste success during the all-important 15-year old minor midget season with the Marlies.  He would participate in the mid-season GTHL Top Prospects Game as a member of Team Kypreos and later play in the heavily scouted OHL Cup tournament, leading his team to overtime of the championship game before falling 2-1 to the Mississauga Rebels.  Following the season, Robson was selected by the Peterborough Petes in the 8th round, 146th overall, of the 2012 OHL Priority Selection.

A couple of months later, Robson would officially sign with the Petes and attended their training camp that fall.  Unfortunately, the lanky netminder would face disappointment, injuring his knee during warm-up for an exhibition game.  The cracked kneecap would keep him out of action for six weeks and when he was ready to return, Robson was assigned to the Petes' affiliate, the Lindsay Muskies.

Robson would spend two seasons with the Muskies from 2012 to 2014.  He would see limited action during his rookie season, playing in only six games, while posting a 2-3-0 record.  Once again, Robson attended Petes camp in 2013 and once again he suffered an injury, this time taking a seven stitch cut to the neck, ultimately finding his way back to Lindsay for the season.

Last season, during a trying year for the club, Robson would play in 16 regular season contests, posting a 5-10-1 record with a 4.29 goals against average and .894 save percentage.  Following the season, he would move closer to home, joining the Patriots who were in the midst of a rebuild following their 2014 OJHL championship.  

Robson has served as a mentor this year for 16-year old rookie Emanuel Vella, posting a 21-12-0 record with two shutouts, a 2.50 goals against average and .916 save percentage in leading the Pats to the South Division title.  His efforts earned an invitation to the Team Canada East Final Selection Camp in Toronto and then he was selected as a member of Team OJHL Nieuwendyk at the 2014 Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge, playing three games while helping lead his team to the championship game before falling to Team OJHL Oates.  Robson and the Patriots enter the playoffs on a roll and look to repeat their performance of one year ago.