Grizzlies’ Matthew Wood captures gold with Canada at Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Victoria Grizzlies forward Matthew Wood got his first taste of gold as Team Canada defeated Team Sweden in the finals of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup 4-1 on Saturday.

The 17-year-old had a strong tournament for Canada, recording five total points on two goals and three assists over five games, which included an important third period goal in the team’s semifinal matchup against Finland.

Wood was one of many talented players that filled out the Canadian roster this year, including reigning WHL Rookie of the Year Andrew Cristall of the Kelowna Rockets and OHL Rookie of the year Cam Allen of the Guelph Storm.

The University of Connecticut is seen as one of the top prospects ahead of next year’s NHL Draft after completing an impressive 2021-2022 campaign in Victoria, where he earned the Brett Hull Trophy awarded to the BCHL’s leading scorer after recording 85 points on 45 goals and 40 assists.

Wood will look for a repeat performance this winter as he heads back to the Island ahead of the start of the 2022-2023 Grizzlies season, set to begin Sept. 23rd against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.