RON MATTHEWS
Date of Death: 2014-04-30Date of Birth: 1927-01-09
Ron Matthews, was the kind of defenseman every team wants anchoring its blue line—reliable, and productive. Over a career that spanned nearly two decades, Matthews became one of the most durable and respected players in minor professional hockey, particularly in the Pacific Coast and Western Hockey Leagues (PCHL/WHL). With 947 games played, he ranks ninth all-time in WHL history, a testament to his longevity and durability.
Born in Winnipeg in 1927, Ron Matthews enjoyed success at both hockey and baseball. After winning a Midget title with West End Orioles, the 16-year-old Matthews’ play stood out at the Toronto Maple Leafs 1943 training camp. Spending the 1943/44 season with the OHA Toronto Marlboros, Matthews next found himself in Oshawa where he’d spend a season with the Generals before moving west for the 1945/46 season for a final year of junior with the Edmonton Canadians.
The Canadians would lose the 1946 Western Memorial Cup Abbot Cup final to the Winnipeg Monarchs and Matthews began his professional career in 1947. Appearing briefly with the AHL's Hershey Bears he’d also spend time with the Tulsa Oilers and Edmonton Flyers. Heading to the West coast in the 1948/49 season, he joined the Oakland Oaks of the PCHL followed by 3 seasons on the east coast.
A mobile right-shooting defenseman standing six feet tall and weighing 174 pounds, Matthews combined smart positional play with an ability to contribute offensively. His breakout years came when he joined the WHL New Westminster Royals in 1953, posting multiple seasons with over 40 points—a strong mark for a defenseman in that era. Notably, during the 1957/58 season, he registered 11 goals and 40 assists for a career-high 51 points.
In 1959, Matthews joined the Victoria Cougars for one season before moving to the Portland Buckaroos in 1960. Between 1960 and 1962, Matthews scored 29 goals and added 76 assists for 105 points in 140 games. His stellar play helped lead Portland to a Patrick Cup championship in 1960/61. That same season, he chipped in nine points in 14 playoff games.
Following his time in Portland, Matthews spent four more seasons with the Vancouver Canucks (WHL), providing veteran leadership and solid two-way play well into his late 30s. Even as the league became faster and more competitive, he remained a reliable presence, producing a 50-point season in 1964/65.
Matthews’ consistent excellence earned him four WHL All-Star selections, recognizing both his offensive output and his reliable defensive work.
Ron Matthews passed away in 2014 at the age of 87.