Nanaimo's Matthew Wood was selected 15th overall by the Nashville Predators at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft in late June, realizing a boyhood dream. (John Russell/Nashville Predators)

By Ian Holmes

dedicated athlete

Nanaimo product shows hometown love following 1st round NHL draft selection

Jul 17, 2023 | 5:00 PM

NANAIMO — Getting picked in Nashville by the Predators in the first round of the recent NHL Entry Draft resembled a fairy tale script for Matthew Wood.

The highly touted 18-year-old forward is determined to create more memories at Bridgestone Arena, hopefully in the not too distant future.

He called being the 15th overall selection on June 28 a dream come true.

“It came as a huge surprise, I had no idea what was happening,” Wood said during an in-studio interview on 106.9 FM The Wolf’s morning show.

Matthew Wood during an in-studio interview at 106.9 FM The Wolf on Monday, July 17. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Following a week soaking in Music City with his parents and sisters, Wood, a country music fan, stuck around for another week.

It was a welcomed extended stay in Nashville, where Wood hit the ice for the first time as a member of the Predators organization at the team’s development camp.

“Everyone was enjoying Nashville that whole week and to be able to stay there and enjoy it a little more with development camp being the next week was a really special experience, it was really fun.”

Wood said there are so many people to thank for putting his NHL dreams within reach, pointing to his family, friends and the entire Nanaimo community as integral factors in his success.

The Wood clan was all smiles at the NHL Entry Draft in Nashville. (L-R) Celia, Carrie, Matthew, Jamie & Maggie)

After living in rural southern Alberta for the first two years of his life, the Wood’s lived in Halifax, then made stops in Minnesota and New Hampshire prior to settling into the Harbour City.

Wood developed in Nanaimo’s minor hockey system from the ages of nine through his 14-years-old season, while also playing spring hockey on the Lower Mainland.

For his grade nine season, Wood made a significant move to play for the West Van Academy’s Bantam Prep program, where he lived with phenom Connor Bedard and his family.

Wood piled up 40 goals and 71 points in 31 games at West Van Academy during the 2019/20 campaign.

Following a pandemic-disrupted season, the 2021/22 year saw the 16-year-old Wood’s stock rise steadily by leading the BCHL with goals (45) and points (85) with the Victoria Grizzlies.

Wood is mature beyond his years, having played at the NCAA division 1 level at the University of Connecticut this past season as an underaged 17-year-old freshman, where he flourished against men upwards of seven years older than him.

Wood led the U-Conn Huskies in scoring at a point per game rate.

Outfitted with elite offensive instincts, an already NHL caliber shot and a stout 6’3” frame, Wood is returning to Hartford next season to enhance all aspects of his game.

Matthew Wood often had the puck on his stick while growing up in the Nanaimo Minor Hockey system. (Jamie Wood)

While personal development is a primary focus, Wood said helping the next generation of Nanaimo-based hockey talent achieve their goals is also important to him.

“I love just trying to give younger guys little tips or stuff that I’ve done growing up. I think that’s a big part of what you’re given when you get a big platform of people following you, I enjoy it,’ Wood said.

Most recently Wood was a standout for Canada at the Under 18 World Championship in Switzerland.

He had the tying goal late in regulation, along with three assists to help Canada beat Slovakia 4-3 in overtime to secure a bronze medal in late April.

Overall, Wood was seventh in tournament scoring with 13 points in seven games.

Woods said his ascent as a hockey player was directly tied to his years with Nanaimo Minor Hockey, where his love of the game deepened.

“Every time I go back to the NIC or go back to McNabb it just brings back those memories. I had a lot of fun growing and playing — that’s kind of what it’s all about is having fun and trying the best you can.”

After a hectic schedule for the past few weeks, Wood has settled back into his extensive training routine in Nanaimo, surrounded by family and friends.

“I love that part of the summer, I love to be able to be at home and spend time really focusing on stuff that I want to work on and see it pay off next season at U-Conn.”

Jamie Wood, an educational advisor at Vancouver Island University, called sitting with his wife and two daughters at Bridgestone Arena when his son’s name was drafted a surreal experience.

He compared the treatment ‘Matty’ received in Nashville to an A-list celebrity walking the red carpet.

“I think he had a lot of trouble getting out of the arena because people were wanting to stop and talk to him and welcome him to Nashville,” Jamie chuckled, who coached his son during his minor hockey days in Nanaimo.

Wood was treated like a rock star on the red carpet in Nashville at the draft, stopping to sign autographs for local fans. (John Russell/Nashville Predators)

The Wood’s got creative in helping Matthew expand his hockey skills and fulfill his constant thirst to improve.

While a lack of ice time in Nanaimo was a hindrance, Jamie said they compensated for that by reconfiguring their garage.

“It was basically like a mini hockey rink, he put in a lot of time there. He had a lot of good coaching and put in a lot of work in on his own because you would have to do that to make it,” Jamie Wood said.

Matthew Wood’s longtime Nanaimo-based trainer described him as a highly dedicated, advanced athlete.

Clay Smith, president and CEO of Prime Sports Therapy, said Wood has grown extensively as a hockey player and a person right before his eyes.

“He’s been so driven toward his goals. His passion has been so clear and concise, to see him achieve everything is really cool to see.”

Smith, who heard from most NHL teams garnering further intel on Wood in advance of the draft, said Wood continually puts in the work necessary to be the best he can be.

“He’s mastered so many athletic movements: lateral movements, de-acceleration, acceleration. So I feel like he’s always had a step up on understanding those movements and how we can relate to what we’re doing at the gym to the ice,” Smith said.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes