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Pederson Photographic

Gough excels with Kings

Matthew Gough dominated the USPHL Premier last season. After starting in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) where he had 10 goals and 14 assists in 27 games, Gough joined the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Knights. He had 27 points in 15 regular season games and another seven points in eight playoff games.

Now 20 years old, the Glencoe native is enjoying a solid season with Dauphin in his final year of junior eligibility.

“It’s been a great experience coming here,” said Gough. “The team has been very welcoming and the community couldn’t get any better, it’s been amazing.”

Heading into two important games this weekend against OCN, Gough is leading the team in scoring with 17 goals and 17 assists. His 34 points are just outside of the top 20 in the league.

“It’s definitely good to help contribute, with that said, I wouldn’t be able to do it without my linemates and our great coaching staff,” offered Gough. “We have a great group of guys here and they help me succeed.”

A tireless worker that possesses one of the finest shots you will see, Gough scored a big goal last Friday in his return to the team. He did not play in the team’s 4-0 defeat to OCN last Tuesday as he attended the funeral of his grandpa who recently passed away. Against Waywayseecappo, Gough scored and he immediately pointed to the sky.

“Coming into that game, I knew I wanted to score,” said Gough. “That goal was bigger than hockey, it was a goal for him.”

Friday’s game will be Gough’s first Ukrainian Night as Dauphin hosts OCN. As of posting, already more than 1700 tickets have sold so it’s safe to say the buzz around the community and in the Kings dressing room is great.

“I have heard a lot about the game already,” said Gough. “I’m really looking forward to being a part of it, it’s going to be an unbelievable experience.”

While Gough isn’t focusing on the future, he does hope to get an opportunity to play Division 1 hockey moving ahead.

Get to know Gough:

Who are some influences in your life?  My grandpa is probably my biggest influence, he loved the game so much and he has made me enjoy it as much as I do. My parents as well, they have stuck with me every single step of the way

What is your favourite hockey moment?  Growing up playing in AAA Atom, we won the Alliance finals which was an extremely special moment

What are some of your hobbies? Golf is a big one. I work really close to a course and then I always play, I really enjoy the game

What is your best moment on the golf course? I would say an eagle, I was golfing with my dad and a couple of friends

Who is your favourite hockey player? I would have to say, Mario Lemieux

You can hear Matthew’s full chat with Darnell Duff on the team’s power play show which follows the 4 p.m. news, weather, business, and sports.