Confidence Is High For Vancouver Giants Goaltender Matthew Hutchison As He Enters His NHL Draft Season
The 2025 NHL Draft prospect is ready to take over the starters net for the Vancouver Giants
Photo by Rob Wilton/Vancouver Giants - Confidence Is High For Vancouver Giants Goaltender Matthew Hutchison As He Enters His NHL Draft SeasonOne draft prospect to watch this season will be Vancouver Giants Matthew Hutchison. Now, in his second full WHL season, Hutchison is projected to be the Giants' starter after serving as the backup last season. Ultimately, it is safe to say the soon-to-be 18-year-old is confident and ready for whatever is thrown at him this year.
As mentioned, Hutchison was Vancouver's backup last year, seeing action in 16 games. During that time, he had a great teacher in Brett Mirwald, who finished the season as the Del Wilson Trophy winner, given out to the best goaltender in the WHL. As Hutchison explains, Mirwald was a great mentor to him, helping the young goaltender not just on the ice but off it as well.
"He taught me a lot," said Hutchinson. "Just preparation-wise, just being yourself, listening to your body, knowing what you need to do, finding a groove, having a little routine that works for you, and not changing my game. I know how I can play, and I'm just going to go out there and let myself do it and support the boys and support the team however I can."
Unlike previous seasons, the Giants will start the 2024-25 campaign with two younger goaltenders. Hutchison will be the starter, while 17-year-old Burke Hood will get his first taste of WHL action as the backup. While being the older goaltender is new for Hutchison, he is ready to take on the challenge and help the team in whatever way possible.
"It's obviously a different experience. This is actually the first time in my life I've been older than my goalie partner. I see the two of us as equal, and it's going to be a battle and a fight every day. If I can help him, give him any tips, give him some advice, obviously, I'm going to do that. Just building a good dynamic and good relationship with him is going to help us and the team the most down the road."
On top of earning the starters job, this is also the first year that Hutchison is draft-eligible. Listed at 6'3", 181 pounds, Hutchison should garner some NHL interest if he has a strong season. While there is pressure that comes with being draft-eligible, Hutchison is more focused on the team's success this year.
"I know it's my draft here, but it's not something I'm thinking about. I'm here for these boys and to help this team. I want to get as many wins as I can for this team. If it happens, it happens. I'm here for this team, and I need to do anything I can to win."
Jumping into the starters role is not easy, but it is one that Hutchison should thrive in. Not only does he have impressive goaltending traits on the ice, but he is also mentally strong, which is key for any goaltender. While it is still early, his training camp performance should give fans plenty of confidence heading into the 2024-25 season.
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