By Alexis Demopoulos / NCDCHockey.com
For goaltender Aaron Matthews, playing college hockey was always a dream and now with the help of the NCDC and his hard work over the years, he has earned himself an NCAA Division 1 commitment to Providence College.
Matthews joined the NCDC late last season, appearing in five games for the former Twin City Thunder (now Thunder Hockey Club) and he decided to re-sign there for the 2024-25 season under Head Coach Dan Hodge. Matthews has played in two games in the early going and is 1-1 with a 2.50 GAA.
“I think the NCDC is a great league for preparing kids for the rigors and challenges of college hockey,” said Matthews. “The league helped put me in a position to be recruited into NCAA Division I hockey by allowing me to showcase my game, collect video and experience.”
Matthews credits a lot of his success to coach Hodge and he was a big reason why he wanted to re-sign this year and have his time with the Thunder Hockey Club prepare him for what is to come next season with Providence.
“I’ve been very pleased with my time so far with the Thunder Hockey Club,” said Matthews. “We definitely have something to prove this year, with somewhat of a decent chip on our shoulders with how last year went, and a lot of the extra-curricular stuff out of the team’s control. I signed here again this year because coach Hodge holds us accountable and to a certain standard, and I want to not only win hockey games and ultimately a Dineen Cup, but improve as much as I can each day.”
After his 2023-24 season with the Thunder, Matthews started communicating with the Providence coaches about potentially continuing his hockey career with the Hockey East program, and he made his verbal commitment over the summer. Providence was on Matthews’ radar and he was drawn to the professional environment and the education aspect.
“Athletically, what stands out first is how professionally the program is run,” said Matthews. “From the facilities, coaching, schedule and the players day-to-day, I couldn’t imagine a better spot for me to try and maximize my potential as an athlete.”
Prior to junior hockey, Matthews went to prep school at Belmont Hill and enjoyed how small and intimate it was there. That is exactly how Providence College appeared to him when he toured the campus and facilities and is a big reason for what drew him there. Matthews plans on majoring in finance at the School of Business next year.
“To be completely honest, touring the facilities and rink, seeing the guys there at work and picturing going about my day-to-day next summer and year made me giddy,” said Matthews. “It was difficult to not be smiling the entire time. In terms of the campus and classes/classrooms, it felt quite similar to Belmont Hill, and I enjoyed that.”
Matthews continues to work hard every day and be the best version of himself when he gets to Providence next season. He is hoping to improve upon certain parts of his game and prepare himself for what is to come.
“I feel like my overall quickness is the best part of my game,” said Matthews. “Parts of my game that I will continue to work on to be the best goalie I can be at Providence is patience, holding my feet as long as I can and being poised as I watch pucks into me. Also, refraining from desperation until I need to, and allowing plays to develop.”
Matthews is ready to take things to the next step this season playing for Thunder Hockey Club and is hoping to accomplish a goal and win a championship.
“I am extremely excited to play for the Thunder with my plans for next year already secured,” the Newton, Mass., native said. “It is definitely a weight off my shoulders and a blessing, but at the same time, next year is next year and I try to take things one day at a time. Our goal is to win a championship, and we’re going to accomplish that by showing up to work every day ready to go, and controlling what we can.”
The NCDC congratulates Aaron Matthews, his family, the Thunder Hockey Club and Providence
College for his commitment.
