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Matthew GilroyAmerican professional ice hockey player.
Date of Birth: 20.07.1984
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Collegiate Career
- Professional Career: NHL and KHL
- Personal Life
- Jersey Number
- Playing Style
Early Life and Collegiate Career
Matthew Gilroy was born in North Bellmore, New York, on June 22, 1984. His father, Frank Gilroy, is a member of the St. John's Athletics Basketball Hall of Fame, while his mother, Peggy Ann Gilroy, is a former high school basketball player. Matthew is the fifth of eight children in the family.
Gilroy's hockey career began with the Walpole Stars in the Eastern Junior Hockey League. In 2005, he joined the Boston University Terriers, where he quickly established himself as a top defenseman. Gilroy won the Hobey Baker Award in 2009, becoming just the fifth player in history to win both the NCAA championship and the Hobey Baker Award in the same season.
Professional Career: NHL and KHL
After graduating from Boston University, Gilroy signed a two-year contract with the New York Rangers in 2009. He spent most of his rookie season in the NHL, accumulating 15 points in 69 games. Gilroy's standout performance at the 2010 World Championships, where he led all defensemen in scoring, earned him a permanent spot in the Rangers' lineup.
However, Gilroy struggled to find consistency in the subsequent seasons. He was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2011, where he had his most productive NHL season, recording 17 points in 53 games. After brief stints with the Ottawa Senators and New York Rangers, he signed a one-year contract with the Florida Panthers in 2013.
In 2014, Gilroy ventured to Russia, signing a one-year contract with Atlant Mytishchi in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He enjoyed a successful season with Atlant, posting 33 points in 60 games. Following Atlant's dissolution, Gilroy joined HC Spartak Moscow in 2015 and became the team's record holder for most points by a defenseman in a single season.
Personal Life
Gilroy's brother, Timmy, died in a bicycle accident when Matthew was eight years old. Matthew chose to wear his brother's number, 97, as a tribute to him.
Jersey Number
Gilroy's jersey number, 97, is a tribute to his late brother, Timmy, who wore the same number.
Playing Style
Gilroy is an offensive defenseman with excellent skating skills. He has a keen eye for the puck and is known for his ability to join the rush and create scoring opportunities.
