In the fall of 2016, Matthew Gleason stepped into Cretin-Derham Hall for the first time as a student and leaves in the spring of 2020 as one of the best players to ever suit up for the program. 

That’s not hyperbole, that’s just fact. 

The senior capped his final campaign in the purple and gold with his best statistical season, scoring 36 goals and adding 42 assists for a remarkable 78 points in 27 games, earning Metro Player of the Year honors from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Gleason’s totals give him 123 goals and 225 points for his career, good for 30th all-time in Minnesota high school hockey.

While the scoring totals are routinely highlighted, Gleason’s contributions to the culture of the Raider program are immeasurable. The two-time captain guided a group of 14 underclassmen, including four freshmen, to a 20-6-1 record and multiple appearances near the top of the state’s various Class 2A rankings. 

A Colorado College commit, Gleason is rated No. 189 in the NHL Central Scouting final rankings ahead of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft in June.