The Powell River Kings have acquired 1998-born defenseman Matthew Cairns from the Fargo Force in the United States Hockey League.
Cairns, from Mississauga, Ontario, had played 17 games for the Force this season with 4 assists. Prior to playing for the Force, Matt played for the Georgetown Raiders in the Ontario Junior Hockey League scoring nine goals and added 24 assists in 46 OJHL games last season. He improved on those totals in the playoffs, putting up 19 points in 22 postseason contests. He was named that league’s top prospect. Matt also went in round 3 #84 overall by Edmonton Oilers in the 2016 NHL Draft. “Being drafted by the Oilers was one of the most amazing moments in my hockey career,” says Cairns, “Being selected by a Canadian team was certainly icing on the cake.”
The 6’2”, 190lb defenseman who was also a part of Team East for the World Junior ‘A’ Under 19 Challenge in 2015/2016 is also another Cornell commit. Cairns is known for his quiet yet effective defensive game. He uses his size to push opposing forwards to the outside and plays an effective one on one game.
“I’m happy to have Matt as part of our team” says Kings Head Coach and GM Kent Lewis. “We are gaining a great kid on and off the ice and I am looking forward to working with him. Matt will add some size and experience to the lineup which will help us greatly.”
“I had always heard about what a great place Powell River was and knew it was also a great hockey town. I was recently traded to the Kings and was extremely excited to be a part of the organization and future” says Cairns, “I feel that I can add some depth to the team and hopefully help to play any role that is needed on our path to winning a championship” adds Cairns.
Come watch Matt and the Kings play this weekend, Friday, January 6th against Prince George and Saturday, January 7th against the Coquitlam Express, both games starting at 715pm.
