By Joe McDonald

The Rangers actually may have an answer, as they have signed North Bellmore native and Hobey Baker winner Matt Gilroy to a two-year contract. A smart defenseman, Gilroy led Boston University to an NCAA Championship this past season, while winning the award for the nation’s top collegiate hockey player.

But when he was 18, Gilroy was an undersized kid. Calling himself a “late bloomer,” he forced himself to become better, while growing over four inches in college.“

The reason why I was such a late bloomer is because I didn't hit puberty until I was 18 years old,” Gilroy joked to the New York media when he was introduced back on April 22. “I still don't even shave, and I'm 24. It's embarrassing, but it happened. My dad told me, ‘Don't worry. One day you'll thank me for your genetics,' and I'm thanking him now.”

Whatever the reason, Gilroy became an undrafted 6-2 award-winning college defenseman, which meant he was a hot commodity around the NHL. After going on a magical mystery tour of the league back in April, the young prospect got a call from another former Boston University national champion and Hobey Baker winner in Chris Drury. “

He told me, ‘Matty, I have been all over the NHL in different cities and there is nothing like being a New York Ranger.’ Hearing that from him, someone I believe in and trust, and I grew up idolizing going to BU, means a lot.”

Believe it or not, Gilroy grew up an Islander fan, but because of Drury, his father and Tortorella, he came to the Garden.

Tortorella, who also gave the prospect a recruiting call, coached the defenseman last spring during the World Championships. After that experience, Gilroy was impressed.  

“I remember skating with him at the Worlds, and the first day of practice he’s screaming at Patrick Kane and (Zach) Parise, and I’m like ‘Jeez, this guy is honest,’” said Gilroy, who went to St. Mary’s High School on Long Island. “His honesty, and the fact that he’s full of passion, draws me right to him.”

Then there’s his dad, who played St. John’s basketball back in the day and experienced firsthand what it’s like to play at MSG. “

He would always tell us stories of the Garden being packed,” explained Gilroy. “I actually have never been to a Rangers’ game because I grew up a mile from the (Nassau) Coliseum so I used to go to Islanders games. But this arena, and the prestige of wearing the Rangers’ blue uniform, is unbelievable.”

So now Gilroy, who scored 25 goals, 67 assists and 92 points in 160 games for BU, is one of the Ranger prospects they will look to next season. With both Paul Mara and Derek Morris on the free agent market, general manager Glen Sather will probably look to his young kids, while trying to get under the reducing salary cap.

With a one-way contract and $1.75 million owed to him, Gilroy will be front and center for a job. He will be competing with No. 1 picks Bobby Sanguinetti and Mike Del Zotto, along with Corey Potter for the open slots. At 24, he is older than both Sanguinetti and Del Zotto, and seems mature enough to handle the NHL.

Hopefully after working out at the MSG training center this summer, he will impress Tortorella.  

“Skating has been my strength since I was a little kid,” he said, “and offensively in transition is where, hopefully, I can excel with Coach Tortorella.”