PHPA Player Rep Spotlight: Matt Strome
Joe Colasurdo, PHPA Coordinator of Communications & Business Development | August 15th, 2023
Player Rep Spotlight: Matthew Strome (Hershey Bears)
Matthew Strome is the PHPA Player Representative for the Hershey Bears of the AHL. Strome played four seasons with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the OHL where he won an OHL Championship and Captained the team in his final season. After being drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Strome began his professional career in the American Hockey League with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. This past season he joined the Hershey Bears and went on to win the Calder Cup.
How / why did you become a PHPA Player Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities?
In Lehigh Valley, our Player Rep from the season before didn’t re-sign so when the Captain was asking us who wanted to do it, I volunteered. I’ve always wanted to know what happens behind the scenes and this helped a lot to figure out new information and share it with my team.
Favourite memory from your junior career with the Hamilton Bulldogs?
Winning the OHL Championship was the best part of my junior career. Also, the relationship I built with my billet family. I will cherish that forever.
You and your two older brothers Ryan (Anaheim Ducks) and Dylan (Washington Capitals) are relatively close in age. What was it like all growing up together and playing high level hockey? How do you think it helped your development as a hockey player and as a person?
Everything I saw my brothers do I wanted to do. It started when we would play road hockey or mini sticks and because I was the youngest, I always had to be the goalie. But I just wanted to be like them and be a player and try all the things they were doing.
Any funny stories or memories of you and your brothers that stand out to you the most?
When I was 6, we built a mini stick arena in our basement with a bunch of boxes, suitcases, hockey bags whatever we could find. Ryan was 12 at the time and I remember hitting him over the boards and he was shocked at what happened.
If you weren’t a professional hockey player right now, what career path would you have chosen?
Professional golfer
How have you enjoyed your first season as a member of the historic Hershey Bears organization, and what is the atmosphere like at games?
It was amazing my first year in Hershey. The fans and the atmosphere at the Giant Centre were unbelievable and really helped us rally back in the Calder Cup Finals to win the Championship.
Favourite Hershey’s treat?
Cookies and cream bar.
It was noticed on social media that you are a dog dad. What do you enjoy most about that role and what is your favourite thing to do with your dog?
Walking her to the park and playing fetch with her is my favorite part. Just the joy when I walk in the door makes my day!
Favourite sporting event or concert that you’ve ever attended?
Waste Management Open
You seem to be a big golf fan. Who is your favourite golfer and why?
Taylor Pendrith. A good family friend is his caddy so it’s cool to know somebody who’s playing every weekend. Also, hearing some stories behind the scenes of what happens makes it that much more enjoyable.
Favourite golf course you’ve ever played? Favourite course that you want to play at?
Torrey Pines is my favourite course I’ve played at. The course I want to play at most is Augusta.
One superstition you have?
Before a game, once I tape my stick, I don’t let the blade touch the ground before it touches the ice.
