Matt Gilroy

Lore & Background

Gilroy began his college hockey career at Boston University as a walk-on, initially a forward but taking the only available role as the eighth defenseman. In his senior year (2008–09), he served as team captain, recorded a career-high 36 points in 43 games, and led the Terriers to a Beanpot championship and the Frozen Four. He won the Hobey Baker Award on April 10, 2009, and the next day helped the Terriers win the NCAA championship in overtime, earning an assist on the game-tying goal with 17 seconds left. He became the fifth player to win both the Hobey Baker and an NCAA title in the same season, and earned his third All-American honor, joining Rick Meagher and Chris Drury as the only three-time All-Americans at the time.

Professionally, Gilroy signed with the New York Rangers in 2009, then moved to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2011, but was traded to the Ottawa Senators at the 2012 trade deadline. He later played for the Florida Panthers and spent time in the AHL. He signed in the KHL with Atlant Moscow Oblast and Spartak Moscow, and finished his career with SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers of the Swiss National League. He wore number 97 in memory of his brother Timmy, who died at age eight in a bicycle accident; Boston University coach Jack Parker made an exception to team policy to allow the number.

Reader's Guide

Matt Gilroy's career is defined by his remarkable rise from an undrafted walk-on to a Hobey Baker Award winner and NCAA champion, a feat achieved by only a handful of players. His path through the NHL included stops with four teams, but his most lasting impact came at the collegiate level, where his leadership and production as a defenseman set him apart. Gilroy's decision to complete his degree before turning professional underscored his priorities, and his later international play for the United States at the 2018 Winter Olympics added a capstone to his career. His personal story—wearing number 97 in tribute to his late brother, and being one of eight children—adds depth to his legacy. Though his NHL tenure was modest, his amateur achievements and the circumstances of his development make him a notable figure in hockey history, particularly for Boston University and the Hobey Baker tradition.

Did You Know?

• Gilroy won the Hobey Baker Award and the NCAA championship on consecutive days in April 2009.
• He was a walk-on at Boston University and initially played as the eighth defenseman.
• He wore number 97 in honor of his brother Timmy, who died in a bicycle accident at age eight.
• Gilroy played lacrosse in high school and was named team MVP in his junior year.