RW Matthew Wood – Univ. of Minnesota, NCAA (2023, 15th, NSH)

[kyle44]

I keep pointing out his production relative to the most recent high end NHL picks from the BCHL since I think its the best comparative metric we can use at this point. Obviously there are many variables that can impact year over year numbers (strength of league, strength of team), but his 16 year old numbers are off the charts.

We should also keep in mind that he isn't playing on a dominant team; Victoria currently sits 11th in the 18 team league. He's also 6'3, so the size concerns don't exist for him.

Here's how his 16 year old season (projected) compares to those players (adjusted over a 58 game BCHL season):


Wood 64 52 116
Newhook 28 57 85
Turris 37 37 73
Jost 29 28 57
K. Johnson 20 26 46

 

[Bubbles]

I keep pointing out his production relative to the most recent high end NHL picks from the BCHL since I think its the best comparative metric we can use at this point. Obviously there are many variables that can impact year over year numbers (strength of league, strength of team), but his 16 year old numbers are off the charts.

We should also keep in mind that he isn't playing on a dominant team; Victoria currently sits 11th in the 18 team league. He's also 6'3, so the size concerns don't exist for him.

Here's how his 16 year old season (projected) compares to those players (adjusted over a 58 game BCHL season):


Wood 64 52 116
Newhook 28 57 85
Turris 37 37 73
Jost 29 28 57
K. Johnson 20 26 46

Yeah that's a good metric. He is on pace to put up the best D-1 season in the BCHL in sometime (you have to go back to Kariya to find something similar)

He does play with probably the best line in the league with Eddy and Rickwood.

Next year will be key because Victoria won't have any of those guys. Wood will have to lead his team.

 

[prongertheman9]

Based on production alone he should be considered a lock for top 20 but with it being such a strong draft he could be a guy who slips a bit because teams can’t compare the BCHL numbers as easily.
That said, I haven’t seen him play and some say skating could be a concern?

 

[kyle44]

 

[Corso]

[/QUOTE

Bedard, Michkov, Fantilli, Yager, Benson and now Wood......are we perhaps setting us up for a let down as we start thinking that this may be the strongest draft class for high end talent in the last decade or two?

 

[BKarchitect]

He’s got sick puck skills for such a giant kid. It actually looks like a pro playing against boys. Clearly he’s too good for the BCHL but anybody who thinks who wouldn’t also be dominant in the WHL or won’t be in college (which he’s too young to attend for another year and a half!) is just being a contrarian.

I have this vision of him and Fantilli on the same WJC line…just two absolute mastodon behemoths with just crazy amount of skill running amok.

 

[jcorb58]

Was at last night's game, beauty goal against a pretty decent Alberni Valley team. In fact he scored Victoria's only 2 goals and had a near miss lacrosse style goal to tie it. Clearly he stands out every time he's on the ice. Sometimes he trys to deke the whole team when a simple pass might be the better option but clearly for a big guy the slick hands are there. He just turned 17 this month so he's got plenty of time to refine his skills. Looking forward seeing this kids future.

 

[Bubbles]

Probably going to text his buddy Bedard about that one!

 

[Bubbles]

To wrap up an amazing weekend, Wood has a 3G, 1A this afternoon. In three games, he had 7G, 1A.

BTW, that's three games in less than 48 hours. Welcome to the BCHL!

He's also overtaken Tassy and is now the points leader.

 

[covfefe]

To wrap up an amazing weekend, Wood has a 3G, 1A this afternoon. In three games, he had 7G, 1A.

BTW, that's three games in less than 48 hours. Welcome to the BCHL!

He's also overtaken Tassy and is now the points leader.

lol. f***ing ridiculous

this western Canada group is all time

 

[Bubbles]

Another 1G, 2A night.

 

[Bubbles]

Another casual 2G, 1A night.

 

[Breakers]

They talked about him last night in the quarters in how the Huskies program has changed everything on how they are approaching things
and have got some good recruits to commit

they are pretty excited about him
then they reached the hockey east semi's for the first time program history last night

 

[Bubbles]

They talked about him last night in the quarters in how the Huskies program has changed everything on how they are approaching things
and have got some good recruits to commit

they are pretty excited about him
then they reached the hockey east semi's for the first time program history last night

That's good to hear. UConn is not known for their hockey program, but it seems that's changing.

A lot of people are calling for him to go to the WHL, but he's pretty committed to playing college hockey. I think he'll do just fine at UConn.

 

[AMScouting]

Shifts of Wood (DY-1):

 

[Bubbles]

Shifts of Wood (DY-1):

Thanks! His first steps are slow but he's not bad once he gets going. I'd like to see him use his size more. Protects the puck really well in the O-zone...no one can knock him off.

 

[Bubbles]

Just an update, the Grizzlies are playing the Rivermen in the BCHL playoffs. Wood has 2G, 1A so far in two games.

 

[Bubbles]

Made the U18 team! Howe - Bedard - Wood are going to do some damage.

GP 46 G 45 A 40 PTS 85 was his final stat line in the BCHL.

Unfortunately his team was knocked out in 5 games. He also has a pretty mediocre playoffs. Hope he shines in the tournament.

 

[Dominance]

Made the U18 team! Howe - Bedard - Wood are going to do some damage.

GP 46 G 45 A 40 PTS 85 was his final stat line in the BCHL.

Unfortunately his team was knocked out in 5 games. He also has a pretty mediocre playoffs. Hope he shines in the tournament.

Absolutely ideal situation for me is Howe-Bedard-Wood light up the U18s and then Wood decides it might be nice to continue playing with his new friends in Regina next year.

 

[sigx15]

Absolutely ideal situation for me is Howe-Bedard-Wood light up the U18s and then Wood decides it might be nice to continue playing with his new friends in Regina next year.

Will be interested to see what happens with the UConn coach Cavanaugh, if he's offered the BC job and takes it. If he does leave, does Wood still go to UConn or follow Cav to BC or go a different direction like another school or major junior. Will be an interesting few months to follow if you're a Wood fan

 

[BKarchitect]

Will be interested to see what happens with the UConn coach Cavanaugh, if he's offered the BC job and takes it. If he does leave, does Wood still go to UConn or follow Cav to BC or go a different direction like another school or major junior. Will be an interesting few months to follow if you're a Wood fan

I always thought with such an early commitment that UConn would be hard-pressed to hold onto Wood. I hope they do though, it would be fun to see a collegiate superstar somewhere besides the usual places.

Part of me thinks he will end up in Regina. Can’t think of a better place to boost your draft year stock versus dominating the BCHL again (my least favorite option) or spending a season in the USHL. The USHL wouldn’t be a bad option, plenty of exposure. But it’s a far cry from what the Pats could put together. I’d honestly have him in the NCAA in the fall if he could accelerate but doesn’t sound like that’s feasible. He’s got the size and skill to be a force right now IMO but we are gonna be waiting another 18 months.

 

[covfefe]

I always thought with such an early commitment that UConn would be hard-pressed to hold onto Wood. I hope they do though, it would be fun to see a collegiate superstar somewhere besides the usual places.

Part of me thinks he will end up in Regina. Can’t think of a better place to boost your draft year stock versus dominating the BCHL again (my least favorite option) or spending a season in the USHL. The USHL wouldn’t be a bad option, plenty of exposure. But it’s a far cry from what the Pats could put together. I’d honestly have him in the NCAA in the fall if he could accelerate but doesn’t sound like that’s feasible. He’s got the size and skill to be a force right now IMO but we are gonna be waiting another 18 months.

It’ll be a good storyline for next year.

Note that UMass was the worst team in college hockey the year prior to Makar arriving. Still didn’t renege on his commitment.

Don’t know if Bedard changes the calculus for him. I could see it. They’d be a tremendous combination.

 

[Bubbles]

I always thought with such an early commitment that UConn would be hard-pressed to hold onto Wood. I hope they do though, it would be fun to see a collegiate superstar somewhere besides the usual places.

Part of me thinks he will end up in Regina. Can’t think of a better place to boost your draft year stock versus dominating the BCHL again (my least favorite option) or spending a season in the USHL. The USHL wouldn’t be a bad option, plenty of exposure. But it’s a far cry from what the Pats could put together. I’d honestly have him in the NCAA in the fall if he could accelerate but doesn’t sound like that’s feasible. He’s got the size and skill to be a force right now IMO but we are gonna be waiting another 18 months.

I don't think it's a case of boosting his draft year stock as it is he wants a chance to play college hockey. Moving to the USHL would be a sideways move.

He's also essentially playing at home in Victoria (he's from Nanaimo) so that's a plus.

It's either stick with the BCHL or join his buddy Bedard in the Dub.

 

[covfefe]

I don't think it's a case of boosting his draft year stock as it is he wants a chance to play college hockey. Moving to the USHL would be a sideways move.

He's also essentially playing at home in Victoria (he's from Nanaimo) so that's a plus.

It's either stick with the BCHL or join his buddy Bedard in the Dub.

Agreed, pretty hard sell trying to get an Island kid living the Jr hockey dream in Victoria to move to Dubuque, Iowa.

 

[Bubbles]

Matthew Wood set to reach new heights after impressive rookie year

Good article about Wood. Seems pretty committed to UConn. Sorry guys!

But man he needs to work on his skating. He was one of the slowest guys at the U18.