The University of Jamestown Jimmies was the first college hockey team to express interest in Matthew Poole.
From that point on, they were the only team the Chase Heat defenceman considered for his college future. He will join the Jimmies in 2022-23.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity. Jamestown checks pretty much every box for me on the academic side of things,” said Poole, who plans to study accounting with a focus on financial planning. “And I’ve heard nothing but good things about the program, good things about the coach Dean Stork.”
“I’m really excited for him. I’m excited for any player that wants to take the opportunity to continue their education and play the game,” said Heat Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Brad Fox. “He’s a skilled player, he’s very committed to playing the game at the highest level. Poole is an elusive defenceman with offensive upside. He’s smart, he’s shifty, he’s got a good skill set. He adds to our special teams and the dynamics of our group.”
Poole came to the KIJHL after talking to his uncle Terry Jones, Head Coach and General Manager of the Beaver Valley Nitehawks, and attending a summer showcase before his rookie season. Fox reached out and Poole liked everything he had to say. He credits Fox for helping him develop into the player he is and his parents for their support.
With his hockey and educational future secured, Poole will continue to focus on improving as a player. The 5-10, 165 pound blueliner has six goals, 11 assists for 17 points in 15 games.
A more mature person and player, Poole got over a slow start as he recovered from an injury, but now healthy, he likes the momentum he is building in his play. He has only been held pointless in four games and has six in his last three. He ranks sixth among all Kootenay International Junior Hockey League defencemen in points, but is second overall in points-per-game average at 1.13. Three of Poole’s six goals are winners.
Always possessing good offensive skill, Poole feels he’s improved his two-way game and has focused on being stronger defensively.
“I was lacking that hard-to-play-against factor when I first came into the league and Fox really helped me develop that,” Poole said. “I have become a stronger, 200-foot D-man. I like to play on both sides of the puck.”
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