Wilkins developing going into sophomore season

by Ryan Fay

There was a lot of buzz around Matt Wilkins entering last season.

The Kimberley, British Columbia native came to the program after destroying the Alberta Junior Hockey League from 2010-2012. In that span, he scored 176 points (64 goals, 112 assists) in 120 games, and was a two-time AJHL All-Star.

But the 22-year-old Wilkins got off to a sluggish start with Union, collecting just four assists in his first 14 games.

Wilkins (vnews.com)

"It was a big change from junior hockey," Wilkins said of the transition to college hockey. "Everyone is bigger, stronger, and faster. Every aspect is that much better. I had to get used to the more physical aspect of college hockey and get more aware in the defensive zone."

Once Wilkins made the necessary adjustments, he began to show signs of the offensive promise he displayed in junior hockey.

The forward scored 12 points over Union's final 23 contests last year, including the game-winning goal against crosstown rival RPI in the inaugural Mayor's Cup and six assists in eight pivotal games in March.

"I got a lot more playing time as the season went on," Wilkins said. "I felt more comfortable out there. I was more willing to take chances and try to make plays. It paid off."

Added third-year Union head coach Rick Bennett, "I thought he picked up a step as far as his feet. I thought he went through the same progression that [former Union forward] Kelly Zajac did. Once you figure out you have to keep your feet moving, you become a complete player and that's what he's becoming now."

Going into his second collegiate season, Wilkins said he feels more confident and wants to build off his strong finish to last season. He spent the summer focusing on further improving his speed.

With a year of college hockey under his belt, Wilkins said he is ready to take on more responsibility.

"I want to be a guy people look at to score goals when we need them."

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