Matt Lahey has been a two year Clipper and is now a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs after being picked 200th overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. (Gary Dorland)

By Dan Marshall

Lahey a Maple Leaf

Clippers Matt Lahey picked 200th overall by Toronto in NHL draft

Jul 1, 2024 | 10:01 AM

NANAIMO — For the first time since 2006 a player has been drafted directly from the Nanaimo Clippers into the NHL.

Defenceman Matt Lahey was selected in the seventh round of the NHL entry draft, 200th overall by the Maple Leafs.

The Victoria native just completed his second year with the Clippers making huge strides in his play in all areas.

The soon to be 18-year-old had an assist in 34 games with Nanaimo in the 2022-23 campaign and upped his totals to two goals and 17 assists while playing in all 54 games last season.

Draft day was quite a whirlwind for Lahey.

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“It’s pretty surreal. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it,” Lahey said.

Clippers coach and general manager Colin Birkas is excited about future for his standout defenceman.

“I’m very happy for him and family. He put in the work and he’s just scratching the surface of his potential. Clipper fans should be proud.”

At 6’5 and 205 pounds Lahey has the physical tools to excel in the pro game.

He is also committed to the NCAA Division 1 program at Clarkson University which will further increase his development.

The last Nanaimo Clipper selected directly into the NHL was netminder Marc Cheverie in the 2006 entry draft.

Other BCHL players chosen in the June 28-29 draft include Brooks Bandit Logan Sawyer and West Kelowna Warrior Jack Pridham in the third round to Montreal and Chicago respectively.

Blueliner Luke Ashton from Langley went to Columbus in round six.

Two players who will play in the BCHL next year were also picked with Penticton recruit Ben Merrill (6th round) and Brooks newcomer Austin Moline (7th round) having their names called.

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