UMass Minutemen graduate center Matt Koopman(9) came over from 4 decent seasons at Providence College Friars.
His team is eliminated in the opening round of Hockey East playoffs, so he quickly pivots to sign a 1st pro deal with Wheeling Nailers and he’s off and running.
The 5’10” 180 lbs. forward has 3 times scored 5 goals in a college season, including this past one, but always seems like he puts up more points with his style of play.
Considering he left his 2nd season with Waterloo Blackhawks to join his 1st college team, the expectation may have been higher.
The 24-year old Marblehead, MA native could find more opportunities to hit the stat sheet as a pro, but we’ll watch to see.
In 14 ECHL games, he managed a 1st goal and 6 assists with a 0 rating on a non-playoff team.
He likes his experiences as he re-signs to stick for his official rookie season.
16 goals and 18 assists in 71 games with a +4 rating, then 4, 4 and a +4 in 9 playoff matchups and he will be back for another ride in a Nailers‘ jersey for 2024/2025.