Victoria Grizzlies rookie sensation Matthew Wood had himself a weekend and then some.
It started with Scott Wheeler of The Athletic projecting the six-foot-three Nanaimo native as a potential top-10 selection for the 2023 NHL draft. It continued with Wood backing up that assessment and proving it’s not just hype. Wood’s flashy between-the-legs shot into the top of the net against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Friday at the Q Centre made it as the TSN SportsCentre highlight of the night. The weekend roll concluded with Wood scoring a hat-trick on a four-point Sunday afternoon at the Q Centre in a 5-3 Grizzlies’ victory over the Chilliwack Chiefs (24-15-3).
Wood took over the sa国际传媒 Hockey League lead with 70 points in 35 games and the league goals lead with 39. What makes that even more impressive is that Wood is averaging two points per game and has played six fewer games than second-place Simon Tassy of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (67 points and 35 goals) because of sa国际传媒 U-17 commitments and a suspension.
By comparison, former Grizzlies captain Alex Newhook, a 2019 NHL first-round draft pick and sa国际传媒 world junior medallist now with the Colorado Avalanche, had 22 goals and 66 points in his rookie BCHL season. Wood has surpassed both of those totals in his rookie campaign.
Wood’s prodigy status continued to soar as scored seven goals in three games over the weekend to be named BCHL player of the week.
“Matthew has proven himself in his rookie season and keeps getting better. He has worked hard to achieve this notice and deserves it,” says Grizzlies GM and head coach Craig Didmon.
Wood and the Grizzlies (24-19) host the Cowichan Valley Capitals (12-26-5) on Friday night at the Q Centre and are in Coquitlam to play the Express (12-24-5) on Saturday.
