Despite shoulder injury, Matthew Jenken will be ready for preseason games.
www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com
Nice article on newly acquired Pete Matthew Jenken! Good to hear Peterborough was one of his top choices and he was finally able to get shoulder surgery which should hopefully allow him to elevate his game across many different ways. Excited to see him in maroon and white. Here is the article:
‘Peterborough was my No. 1 option the whole time’: Petes pick up player from Flint Firebirds
The Peterborough Petes newest player is coming off shoulder surgery he hopes will allow him to play to his full potential this season.
Matthew Jenken said his first two seasons with the OHL’s Flint Firebirds were hampered by a shoulder injury sustained as a rookie, which kept reoccurring as he played through it. He underwent surgery June 3 to repair a torn labrum and expects to be cleared to participate when training camp opens on Tuesday.
“This past year, I played every game but my shoulder almost every other game was popping out,” he said.
There may be some drills he’s unable to do for fitness testing.
“I’m just getting into weights now in my physio, but I’ll be ready for the first pre-season game and definitely ready for the regular season,” said Jenken.
“I’ve been feeling good and haven’t had pain in months,” he added, “It’s better than ever now. Last year I had worries about it and didn’t like going into games hoping my shoulder wouldn’t pop out. Now that it’s all good it just gives me a little bit more confidence that my shoulder is going to be back to 100 per cent.”
The Petes acquired the six-foot-four, 200-pound, right shot defenceman, who has 118 games of OHL regular season and playoff experience, from Flint in exchange for a 2026 sixth round pick, a 2028 third round pick, and a conditional 2027 fifth round pick (Windsor).
With Flint recently acquiring two defencemen selected in the NHL draft, Jenken didn’t see an opportunity to increase his role there and requested a trade early in the summer. He and his agent identified Peterborough as one of their top choices, believing his experience would be an asset to the Petes’ young defence.
“I wanted a change of scenery and something new and Peterborough was my No. 1 option the whole time,” he said. “This isn’t my last year of hockey but it’s an important one and I want to have a season where I can get a fresh start and build my confidence back.
“Peterborough has a really bright future and this year we’re going to be a good team,” he said. “Next year, my plan is to finish as a Pete and get an overage spot next year. I know there is a bunch of young guys and I thought it was a good opportunity to develop my leadership skills and be a good role model.”
He realized he would get his wish when he was contacted by Petes GM Mike Oke prior to the deal, as the Petes did their due diligence to ensure he’d be healthy.
“You don’t want to trade for a guy if he’s going to be out for longer than expected,” said Jenken. “It’s been a long couple of months and a little bit stressful because I wanted to get something done. I’m thrilled now and can’t wait to get started.”