Matthew McKim Commits To Eagles For 2018-19

The Surrey Eagles hockey club is proud to announce that forward Matthew McKim has committed to the team for the 2018-19 BCHL season. McKim was the leading scorer for St. Andrew’s College last season, and played alongside fellow Eagles commit Evan McIntyre.

McKim, 18, is described as a highly-skilled offensive forward, who is also reliable on the defensive side of the rink. He posted 74 points in 50 games this past season, which was the third-highest total in his league.

“We are very excited to add Matthew to our team for next season,” head coach Brandon West told SurreyEagles.ca. “He brings an elite skillset that will add to our scoring next season. Matthew had a tremendous season at St. Andrews, and we look forward to seeing him continue his success in Eagles green and blue.”

For McKim, the appeal of Surrey was a combination of the program that coach West has in place, but also the location and surrounding area of the South Surrey Arena facility.

“It’s a spot where I think I can really use my skills as a player,” McKim commented. “I feel like I can reach my full potential there. It’s also just outside Vancouver, it’s exciting, it’s right in the middle of everything.”

As a player that enjoys creating offensive opportunities, the Olympic-sized ice surface was also an added bonus to committing to play for the Eagles.

I’m known for my offensive abilities, so it’s a spot where I can do my own thing to a degree. I’ll have space to be my own player.”

“They’re expecting me to be a force up front. Someone that can put up some goals and points for the team, but also be a guy that they can rely on in the defensive zone. A guy that they can put out in any situation. ”

One major impact on McKim’s hockey career has been his father, Andrew. The elder McKim played 38 NHL games in the 90s for Boston and Detroit, and also hundreds more in the AHL, IHL, NLA, and DEL. Having that kind of guidance has been key to getting Matthew where he is today.

“He’s a huge influence on me, especially being a small player like myself. He never got drafted into the NHL, but he made it as a free agent and ended up playing a couple years. He’s someone I really look up to, and somebody who has helped me get to where I am today.”

You can catch Matthew and the other new Eagles for the first time when main camp kicks off this August.

Stay tuned to SurreyEagles.ca throughout the summer for more announcements of player commitments, and other transactions.