HUMBOLDT — Matthew Perkins’ head-turning rookie season has netted the Humboldt Broncos forward a NCAA Division I scholarship.
Last week the 17-year-old announced his commitment to the University of Minnesota-Duluth. The perennially strong Bulldogs won national championships in 2011, 2018 and 2019. The squad was in the Frozen Four each of the last four seasons it was held.
“My family and I felt that it was the best place for me to develop and felt really comfortable with the coaching staff at UMD,” said Perkins, who had a number of schools express interest in him.
The plan is for Perkins to join the Bulldogs for his 19-year-old season. He is considering his options of what to pursue academically.
As of Jan. 21, Perkins was fifth in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in scoring with 46 points in 40 games. He was third in rookie scoring – a category led by teammate Connor McGrath, who also paces the league with 59 points. Perkins was the only 2004 player on the list of the top 50 SJHL scorers.
“The Broncos organization is very proud and happy for Matthew and his family on his commitment to UMD,” said Broncos head coach Scott Barney said on the team’s website. “The hard work he has shown up to this date is a big reason for his success that he is very much deserving of. We look forward to continuing to develop his skills to get him ready for this next level in his career.”
Perkins has enjoyed his time on and off the ice in Humboldt. “Playing for the Broncos this season has been one of if not my favourite season of hockey,” he said. “From the guys in the room to everyone who helps out with our team, everyone has been so awesome to work with every day and the guys in the locker room are awesome. Love every single one of those guys and Scott and Carter [Hansen, assistant coach] are awesome.”
