Junior Jonathan Matsumoto signed a professional contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday (Mar. 14), and will forego his final year of college eligibility at Bowling Green State. The Orleans, Ontario native concludes his Falcon career with 113 career points, 56th all-time in the BGSU record books.
“I just want to thank coach Paluch and his staff in helping me become the player I have,” said Matsumoto. “They have allowed me to play in so many situations that it helped me reach that next level.”
This past season Matsumoto was one of three Falcons to play in all 38 games, leading the team with 33 points (11g, 22a). His 22 helpers also led the team, while his 12 goals were second among the Orange and Brown. The junior recorded multiple point games nine times this year, with the Falcons going 6-3-0 in those contests.
He also led the team with 31 penalties and was second on the team with 71 penalty minutes. The forward finished the 2006-07 campaign with six power-play goals (tied for the team lead), and one game-winner versus Michigan State.
Matsumoto had a breakout year in 2005-06 when he finished with 48 points (20g, 28a), second on the team. Of his 20 goals, 12 came with the man-advantage, while he scored a point in 28 of the 36 games he played in as a sophomore. He recorded his only hat trick versus No. 4 Boston College and was named to the all-tournament team at the UConn Holiday Classic after scoring a tournament-best three goals.
“Jonathan has been an outstanding player for us the past three years,” said BGSU head coach Scott Paluch. “We wish him the best of luck in his pursuit of a career in the National Hockey League.”
Following his sophomore campaign the Flyers drafted Matsumoto with the 79th overall selection (3rd round) of the 2006 NHL draft. He was the highest Falcon selection since Peter Ratchuk was taken in the first round of the 1996 NHL Draft.
For his career the junior played in 110 games, finishing with 113 points (49g, 64a). He recorded 58 penalty minutes and 135 PIM, while also producing 28 power-play goals and eight game-winners.
