Matthew Wood may be in his rookie year with the Victoria Grizzlies, but that hasnB次元官网网址檛 slowed him down.

In 46 regular-season games, the 17-year-old from Nanaimo scored 45 goals and finished the regular season with a total of 85 points B次元官网网址� the most in each category for any player in the B.C. Hockey League.

ItB次元官网网址檚 an achievement he is proud of but itB次元官网网址檚 also one he refuses to take all the credit for.

B次元官网网址淚 trained really hard over the summer and came into this season thinking I could be the best player in the league and make a difference every game. I just took it one game at a time,B次元官网网址� said Wood. B次元官网网址淚 had a lot of support from all of my teammates though, my linemates (Ellis) Rickwood and (Connor) Eddy especially B次元官网网址� I canB次元官网网址檛 do it without that support.B次元官网网址�

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He said the confidence boost which comes with all that support is a big thing for him, and a key to his success on the ice.

While he is quick to say having a stellar season is not a goal in itself, he said it will help him as he moves forward in his hockey career. Wood has already committed to the University of Connecticut to play Division 1 in the NCAA. But when exactly he will head south is yet to be determined.

B次元官网网址淚t will help for sure in college knowing I can score on all these guys who also came from juniors,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚t gives me the confidence for the next level and gives me what I need to move forward.B次元官网网址�

Grizzlies president Lance Black agreed the entire line is part of WoodB次元官网网址檚 success and said the teen has the skills that are needed to make the most of that teamwork.

B次元官网网址淢atthew has all the tools. HeB次元官网网址檚 got the size, heB次元官网网址檚 got the agility, heB次元官网网址檚 got the IQ,B次元官网网址� said Black. B次元官网网址淗e can spin on a dime and the puck seems to follow him on a string B次元官网网址� itB次元官网网址檚 incredible. Looking forward to the (NHL) draft next year, heB次元官网网址檚 probably in the top 10.B次元官网网址�

Black said the team knew from the moment they signed him that he would be a top-notch player, meaning his success this season was no surprise, even when he was hit with some disadvantages.

B次元官网网址淲hen you look at him leading the scoring, you have to remember he missed seven or eight games because of a suspension and going to play for U17 Team Canada.B次元官网网址�

The Grizzlies are currently in the first round of the playoffs facing a make-or-break game Friday night against the Langley Rivermen, who lead the series 3-1.

B次元官网网址淚 have to make sure IB次元官网网址檓 not turning pucks over at the blue line, back-checking hard, and of course, IB次元官网网址檝e got to do my part scoring goals for the team,B次元官网网址� said Wood of FridayB次元官网网址檚 game.

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justin.samanski-langille@goldstreamgazette.com
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