INCH's A to Z: Holy Cross' Matt Clune

INCH's A to Z:  Holy Cross' Matt Clune

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MATT CLUNE
Holy Cross
Jr. | D | Toronto, Ontario

Key Statistics: Matt Clune is not going to light up scoreboards on a regular basis but he manages to find the net once in a while. As a freshman, he had two goals and six assists. Last season he had two goals and 10 assists, with one tally and eight of those helpers coming on the power play. He only took 53 shots on net last season, and coach Paul Pearl would like to see him shoot a bit more. Clune was voted the team rookie of the year for the St. Michael’s Buzzers of the Ontario Provincial Junior League in 2006-07, notching three goals and 17 assists. A year later he put up three goals and 11 assists for Salisbury School in New England prep school hockey.

What He Does: Clune is a defensive defenseman who is getting a bit more comfortable on the offensive end. At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Clune is big, tough and getting stronger in the weight room. Pearl says Clune defends one-on-one in the zone as well as anybody in Atlantic Hockey. He may not shoot much but Clune’s most important contribution to the offensive attack is the breakout pass.

The Bigger Picture: Pearl expects Clune to be paired with Mike Daly once again. Together, they are good in their zone and kill off penalties well. Clune worked hard on his conditioning over the summer because Pearl told him to expect a lot of ice time. Pearl says as long as Clune continues to make strides on both sides of the ice, he may have a pro future. If he needs any inspiration his older brother, Rich, plays for the Los Angeles Kings.

Holy Cross coach Paul Pearl on Clune: “Matt has always been a consistent performer since day one. He is getting more confidence. Matt is very industrious – he runs his own construction business in the summer. He’s a great locker room guy, very funny. He keeps things light on the bench and during the game. His teammates love him, and he’s one of my favorites.”