• Strome led the Bulldogs in goals and points with 34-28—62 in the 2016-17 regular season (66 GP) and added 1-7—8 in seven postseason appearances.

• After being selected eighth overall by the Bulldogs in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection, Strome led Hamilton rookies and finished 12th among first-year OHL skaters with 16-22—38 in 2015-16 (61 GP).

• Internationally, Strome represented Canada at the 2017 Under-18 World Championship (1-2—3 in 5 GP) and the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial (1-0—1 in 4 GP). He also skated with Canada Black at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge (5 GP).

• The 2014-15 season saw Strome win the Toronto Marlboros' Buck Houle Award in recognition of on ice performance, leadership and loyalty after captaining the Midget AAA club to a GTHL championship and scoring in overtime to lead the Marlboros to an OHL Cup championship.

• Strome has two older brothers who have been drafted to the NHL. The oldest, Ryan, was selected fifth overall by the Islanders in 2011 and has skated in 258 career NHL games across four seasons. His brother, Dylan, was drafted third overall by the Coyotes in 2015 and led Erie to an OHL championship in 2017.

• Compares his style of play to Rangers forward Rick Nash.

• Lists former NHL player Mats Sundin as his childhood hockey idol.


GETTING TO KNOW MATTHEW:

If I could "Carpool Karaoke" with any celebrity it would be: Drake

TV show I recently binge-watched: Suits

The celebrity that always makes me laugh: Kevin Hart

The app I spend too much time on: Snapchat

At an all-you-can-eat buffet I go straight for the: Prime Rib

The coolest person I've ever met: Connor McDavid

Athlete I admire most: Sidney Crosby

One thing people don't usually know about me: I love dogs

If I could be any superhero I would be: Batman

I am inspired by: People who work hard

I am afraid of: Getting hurt badly

I dream of: Playing in the NHL


MATTHEW’S GO-TO EMOJI: