Bulldogs’ Strome makes strides with his skating after working with Underhill
OSHAWA, Ont. — Hamilton Bulldogs forward Matt Strome wanted to improve his skating skills for his second season in the Ontario Hockey League. He worked with renowned skating coach Barb Underhill over the summer and the results soon followed.
“He is (getting better) because he’s getting stronger and that’s only going to improve,” said head coach John Gruden. “The one thing with Matthew is he’s so smart so he can make up for it with his hockey IQ. He just knows how to find a way and he hasn’t even scratched the surface.”
The additional work has helped Strome post some impressive numbers this season. He has a team-leading 28 goals and 44 points in 48 games, a noticeable jump from the 16 goals and 38 points he posted over 61 games in his rookie campaign.
“He’s a very intelligent player,” said Gruden, who coached 53 games last season with the Flint Firebirds before joining the Bulldogs. “He’s maturing, he’s becoming a leader and for a kid who still hasn’t grown into his body, he’s just a great kid to coach.”