| Matthew Jovanovic | Saginaw Spirit | OHL | L | D | 6’2″ | 201 | Saginaw Spirit | 2021 | Toronto, ON | 2004 | 2022-2023: C |
Injuries have prevented Matthew Jovanovic from playing since since he played twelve games with the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers in 2020-21. In those twelve the 6’2″ 205 pounder went pointless and -3, but he was a highly regarded defensive prospect who grew up playing with the Toronto Marlboros. Below are Neutral Zone’s evaluations through May of 2020.
USHL: Des Moines vs Tri-City, April 17, 2021: The 6’2″ left shot defender played 8:44 of even strength hockey. He did not contribute to the special teams. Although he was not very active in the offensive zone, he did have a catch and release snap shot from the point where he showed the puck skills and agility to change the shooting angle while his eyes were up. Jovanovic finished the game minus one on a play where his defensive partner turned the puck over at the redline which made him play a quick developing 3 on 1. On the play no pass was made after the turnover and the goal scorer came down his off wing before cutting to the middle to rip a snapshot high glove. We would have liked to have seen Jovanovic scan the ice earlier and use a stronger defensive stick to prevent the scorer from cutting through the royal road. He finished the game with four giveaways, four takeaways and he won 20% of his five puck battles.
USHL: Des Moines vs Waterloo: March 20, 2021: Jovanovic is a smooth skating left shot defender with an NHL frame. In the defensive zone he established his ice early showing the core strength to box out and prevent his man from getting to his goalie’s sight lines. He finished minus two on the night with the first coming on a play from behind the net that he could not have done much to prevent. The second was a fluky goal that went off a teammate’s skate, but the breakdown originated with Jovanovic making a poor D to D pass behind his net. He finished the game with six giveaways, six takeaways and he won 44% of his nine puck battles.
USHL: Draft Recap: May 8, 2020: The second-round pick by Saginaw in the OHL Draft this past month is a serious prospect in that he has a long, athletic frame, he’s mobile and can jump up and join the rush or play a stout defensive game. Expansive skill set for his age and can run a power play or kill penalties. He won’t be easy to lure from the OHL as he was our #16 ranked prospect ’04 prospect in Ontario this past season with the Marlies, but if they can get him he’s a steal in the 7th round.
Toronto Marlies Classic: February 2, 2020: Jovanovic is an active D who always keeps his feet. He goes hard all shift and is always looking to jump in offensively, transitioning from defense to offense, and is willing to drive to the net without the puck. On the offensive blue line, he is a constant threat to shake off his defender and cut to the net to become a passing option in the house. Grade: A-
Minor Midget: Toronto Titans Early Bird Tournament Report: September 24, 2019: Matthew is an active defender that can get up and down the ice with ease. He defends well in 1-1 situations and has the ability to start the breakout quickly by moving his feet or making a quick pass. He is constantly looking to dish the puck and jump into the rush. Was rewarded against Sudbury as he drove the net without the puck and buried a tight area pass before the goalies could move laterally. His mobility also allows him to walk the offensive blue line effectively. Grade: B
Silver Stick Finals 2004s: February 10, 2019: Matthew showed up in our noted both games. So, he grabbed our attention. Another player that is in the middle of a lot of talent who does not always stand out but does some nice things. Played a lot with the first unit. He has an almost perfect stride that will allow him to get faster and even more mobile as he grows and strengthens. As is now, he gets around well and showed good four-way mobility. Puck play was decent, mistake free with good first touches. Closed well to defend. Player to watch as his skating is quite good. Grade: B
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images