Diamond In The Rough

Matthew Finn may be one of the most interesting and underrated defenseman heading into the 2012 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

Finn has a style of game that not many defenseman in the league can match; he plays a terrific two-way game and contributes in all phases.

“I try not to be too one dimensional or just an offensive guy,” he said.  “I try to play both ends of the ice because that’s a big thing in me being able to do.”

He went on to reiterate how humbling it is to be playing for the Guelph Storm and to be following in the footsteps of Drew Doughty.

Niklas Lidstrom is another favorite of his and he tries to emulate their style of play through himself.

“I try to take pieces here and there from their style of play, their leadership, their poise, confidence and ability to move the puck and make myself a better player,” said Finn.

The only conceivable flaw that may keep Finn from being a first round pick may be his size.

He needs to continue to fill out his body and bulk up; if he can keep the weight on, he will be a bigger defender who will be tougher to move off the puck.

Still, the 17-year-old has many traits that will keep him from being a late draft pick and if he slides down the rankings too far, he could be a steal for any team that takes that gives him that opportunity.

On the ice, Finn is the type of player to let his play do his talking for him but coach Scott Walker says inside the locker room, he is very much a leader.

“He’s only 17, so he’s only taking care of himself but he also doesn’t mind speaking up when he needs to,” Walker said. “To be honest with you, that’s leadership for me.”

The Storm’s defenseman has shown a great deal of poise and potential to be a quality defenseman thus far leading coach Walker to believe he will continue to climb the rankings up to the draft.

“I expect to see him keep climbing up the rankings; he’s a good player and I really believe in him,” he said. “I think they’ve got him a little overlooked right now but that’s them, said Walker.