Back in Beantown: Matt Gilroy Returns as a Pro

by Tristan Hobbes


Matt Gilroy (’09) won everything imaginable as a Boston University Terriers hockey player. He was a Hockey East All-Star, All-New England, RBK All-American, the Hobey Baker winner and a National Champion. Gilroy is now trying to win something else; a spot on the New York Rangers.

On Saturday, Gilroy and the rest of his Rangers teammates were in town taking on the Boston Bruins in a pre-season game. It wasn’t the Beanpot or the Hockey East playoffs, but a National Hockey League game.

With the Rangers in need of two more defensemen Gilroy has a good shot at joining the team in New York. The Rangers have four mainstays on defense and Gilroy is trying to prove that he can be that fifth or sixth guy. According to NHL.com writer Dan Rosen, “An NHL roster spot is his for the taking as long as he proves his worth.”

In his return to Boston, Gilroy was in the starting lineup paired with Marc Staal. The public address announcer, however, announced Donald Brashear as starting on defense. C’mon! Give the kid a break. Gilroy and Staal spent much of the afternoon paired together, a good sign for Gilroy. Rangers head coach John Tortorella used Gilroy on the top penalty kill and power play unit as well.

The former Terrier must have felt comfortable in the friendly confines of the TD Banknorth Garden because he sure played well. In the first he broke up a Bruins 3-on-1 break and nearly scored on an awkward angle shot. Gilroy showed composure throughout the game and also his offensive-defenseman mindset. He routinely jumped up in the play and was credited with an assist on the Rangers third goal.
On Wednesday, Gilroy scored the Rangers first goal and also scored in the shootout as New York eventually lost to the New Jersey Devils.

With three pre-season games remaining, Gilroy hopes to keep the strong play going and make the big club roster when training camp breaks at the end of September.