Matthew Judge played a very complete game in this contest versus Team Purple. It seems that he’s made some impressive improvements to the puck-skill element of his game which now seems to be something that he utilizes quite often to give himself room to skate in from the blueline. Judge was able to outmaneuver his opponents throughout this game, and in working himself into the offensive zone with well-timed reads, able to contribute offensively. On a bobbled deke from Cullen Potter, Judge was well positioned to step in to collect the puck before walking even further towards the net for a well-aimed shot past a screened Team Purple goaltender. Although he was largely uncontested from the time he stepped into the zone I thought Judge set himself up well to take advantage of the open ice. While there is a substantial offensive element to his game, I was also impressed with Judge’s commitment to returning to his defensive position. He showed good hustle and urgency in getting back in almost all instances of an offensive adventure.

In the previous Saints’ game there were symptoms of Matthew Judge nearing a breakout game, and today he had what was likely his best of the US Nationals. Engaging his offensive game, he showed great speed when rushing the puck. His hands move as fast as his feet making him shifty and evasive. He elected to lead the rush a few times, gaining the offensive blueline effortlessly and setting up offense as the play continued. He also got his stick in the way of plenty of shot attempts, directing the puck to the corners and other harmless areas of the ice. It’s sad to see Judge and his team get eliminated just as he began to getter’ going.

Matthew Judge played a strong two-way game and did the little things right in aiding his team. An above average skater, he was good in all directions and could move fluently in all scenarios. Whether it be walking the blueline in the offensive zone or containing a speed forward off the rush – whatever the game called for him to do, he was able to do it. Something I liked the most about his game was his anticipation; many times, he stepped up into the neutral zone while Mount St. Charles had the puck and either laid a bodycheck or stick check on the puck carrier, stopping them in their tracts before they even got anywhere near the blueline.

Bringing a well-rounded set of skills Matthew Judge was a great two-way defender in the games played. In the o-zone his reads were on point, making the smart play with the puck to create shooting lanes up top by getting defenders moving left to right, slowly opening up seams and space. His edges and skating prowess let him walk the blueline when handling the puck at a level that makes him a threat which is an added bonus to his game. When defending the rush, he has strong gap control and keeps forwards to the outside, using well-timed and disciplined poke checks to knock the puck away if a player makes an attempt to cut into the middle. Judge used his strength and size in the corners to win puck battles and gain possession to chip the puck up and off the glass to ease the pressure of his team. Judge doesn’t have any super flashy aspect to his game, but his ability to do a bit of everything at a high level of play is what makes him so effective all over the ice.

Another strong offensive defenseman for BK Selects, Matthew Judge did a phenomenal job when the puck was on his stick, all possible due to his amazing skating ability. His agility and speed combine to form a very smooth, yet dangerous skater. He was able to cut through the neutral zone with ease as his lateral mobility was excellent thanks to his strong crossovers that enabled him to shift his momentum. In the offensive zone Judge was smart positionally and made quick passes to the open man, never allowing the oncoming defender to put him under too much duress. His positioning was also very strong, mirroring the play, Judge anticipated where the puck would go and assured, he wasn’t caught out of position at the top of the offensive zone when present at the blueline. Considering Judge is an excellent skater, it only makes sense he was elite at skating backwards and keeping attackers to the outside when defending the rush.

Nothing is more valuable to a skilled group of forwards than a defenseman who knows how to, and has the ability to support their offensive skill, and compensate for their offensive risk. Matthew Judge is a steady defenseman who is able to create time and space for himself by remaining cognizant of the space around him, such that he can calmly make plays in situations where other players would likely succumb to panic. Extending his time with the puck enables Judge to see and analyze the ice ahead of him better, while using lateral movement to shift his perspective if necessary while seeking an optimal head-manning opportunity. In situations where his outlets are limited, Judge possesses an adequate level of quickness, in spite of his sizable frame, that enables him to escape pressure along the boards and ensure security of his possession. His quickness also enables him to frequently win races to pucks in open ice, where in contested situations, his size and strength are more than enough to tip the scales in his favour. All in all, Judge is a possession-first defensemen who is able to foster success in every zone without making unnecessary risks.