Get to Know Draft Prospect: Matthew Gilray

A recent graduate of Bucknell University, Matthew Gilray will look to bring his blend of height and speed to whatever team is lucky to draft him. Gilray was a defensive standout and leader for the Bison, earning All-Patriot League Second Team honors from his sophomore to his senior seasons and being named team captain those final two years.

Gilray is a relative stranger to losing, as his Orangeville Northmen won the OJALL championship in 2016. After moving up to the Major Series Lacrosse Senior A league in 2017 and rejoining the Peterborough Lakers, the Lakers proceeded to win back-to-back championships, culminating in a 8-7 defeat of the Oakville Rock on September 1.

Gilray had the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2018 FIL World Lacrosse Championship in Israel, where Canada lost 9-8 in the finals to the United States to take home the silver medal.

Name: Matthew Gilray

Date of birth: May 11, 1995

Position: Transition

Height: 6’3”

Shooting hand: Right

Jr. Team: Peterborough Lakers/Orangeville Northmen

Sr. Team: Peterborough Lakers

College: Bucknell

When did you start playing lacrosse?

4 years old

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Hockey

What do you think your biggest strengths in your game are?

My athleticism and transition game

Do you see your game as having any weaknesses?

I could work on my consistency.

Who was your favorite player growing up that you tried to model your game after?

Colin Doyle, thought I was going to be an offensive player but things didn’t work out that way.

What was it like to represent Canada at the 2018 FIL Men’s Lacrosse World Championship in Israel?

Being able to represent Canada was always a dream of mine and there’s nothing like suiting up with such a great group of players with such a great history.

Though Canada ended up losing in heartbreaking fashion, did you learn anything from your experience?

Even though we ended up losing I was proud of what our team was able to do for Canada Lacrosse and I think that after everything we left the team and organization better than we found it and set a good standard for those representing Canada. Being able to play with the best Canada had to offer was a really special experience.

What is your favorite food?

Pizza for sure.