MATT BURKE
Holy Cross
Sr. | D | Milton, Mass.

Burke's father, John, was a college hockey goaltender at Northeastern.

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Key Statistics: Nine of Burke’s 12 collegiate goals have come on the power play. His 18 points last season ranked 10th among Atlantic Hockey defensemen. He posted a career-high 18 assists as a sophomore, two in the Atlantic Hockey final against Bentley and the biggest coming in overtime of the NCAA West Regional against Minnesota. One concern has Burke going from a plus-10 as a sophomore to a minus-14 as a junior. Among the league’s blue-liners, Burke ranked seventh in penalties (24) and ninth in penalty minutes (48).

What He Does: Burke does all the things you want a defenseman to do: block plenty of shots, get the puck out of his end and play well in one-on-one situations. Though not as offensive-minded as former teammate Jon Landry, Burke does bring some offensive skills. On the power play, you can find Burke on the wing and firing one-timers.

The Bigger Picture: Head coach Paul Pearl liked the way Burke became the go-to man on defense once Landry went down with injury last season. Burke’s natural abilities as a leader made him an obvious choice to be voted as captain this season. Pearl expects his six-foot, 190-pound defenseman to be a 15- to 18-point producer. Burke will continue to play vital roles on the Crusaders’ power play and penalty kill, and could become a legitimate pro prospect.

Holy Cross head coach Paul Pearl on Burke: “He was a guy we hoped would be a good player and he turned out to be an excellent player.”

— Ken McMillan