MIXING GRIT WITH GOALS

As much as he enjoys putting the puck in the net, getting under an opponent’s skin is also a big part of Matthew Kopperud’s game. And he knows when to pick his spots

BY STEPHEN KERR

WORCESTER RAILERS center Matthew Kopperud still chuckles about the time he goaded an opponent into a slashing penalty during his senior season at Arizona State. The Sun Devils were trailing 2-1 against the Clarkson Golden Knights late in the second period at the inaugural Adirondack Winter Invitational in Lake Placid, N.Y., in December 2023. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Kopperud was in a net-front battle with Clarkson right winger Oliver Moberg, who was 6-foot-3, 200 pounds. Knowing the referee wasn’t looking, Kopperud whacked Moberg on the top of his laces, then skated toward the bench. Moberg gave chase, slashing Kopperud on the back of his legs. “I knew right away the ref was going to call it,” Kopperud said. “Sure enough, they called it. We tied the game up on that power play.” The…

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The Hockey News (Digital) - 1 Issue, Rookie Issue 2025

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