Denton Mateychuk sits second in the WHL with 28 points through 18 playoff games this year.
Denton Mateychuk sits second in the WHL with 28 points through 18 playoff games this year.
Denton Mateychuk is having a postseason to remember. The Moose Jaw Warriors captain is up to 28 points in 18 games this postseason, which ranks second behind teammate Jagger Firkus. Mateychuk also has a substantial lead among defencemen in this year's postseason, as Hudson Thornton sits in second place with 15. The Columbus Blue Jackets prospect is not only re-writing the Warriors' history books this year but also finds himself in elite WHL company by the end of the playoffs.
Heading into Game 3 of the WHL Final, Mateychuk sits five points away from tying Keith Brown's all-time playoff record for points by a defenceman with 33. Brown achieved the feat back in 1979 when he helped lead the Portland Winter Hawks to the WHL Final. Now, 44 years later, Mateychuk has an opportunity to create history and do it against the team Brown played for during his historic run.
While Mateychuk only has one point through two WHL Final games, he is a game-breaker who can produce with both his playmaking ability and shot. His nine goals are tied for the eighth most by a defender in a single postseason, while his 19 assists are the sixth most since the turn of the century. Ultimately, Mateychuk is a threat every time the puck is on his stick, which is why teams have had significant issues shutting him down to this point in the postseason.
With the series now shifting to Moose Jaw for Games 3, 4 and 5, Mateychuk has the opportunity to set or at least tie the record in front of his home fans. Fifteen of his points have come at the Moose Jaw Events Centre, including a six-point night against the Swift Current Broncos during the second round. If he can deliver a couple of stand-out performances over the next week, not only will he have the record, but he could help send the Warriors to their first Memorial Cup in franchise history.
Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
2024 WHL Final Preview: Portland Winterhawks vs Moose Jaw Warriors
Meet The Top 10 Picks From The 2024 WHL Prospects Draft
Jagger Firkus Named WHL's Player Of The Year For 2023-24
WHL Completes 2024 U.S. Priority Draft
2024 WHL Playoffs Daily Recap: May 7
Denton Mateychuk Named WHL's Defenceman of the Year for 2023-24
Brett Mirwald Named WHL's Goaltender Of The Year For 2023-24
Gavin McKenna Named WHL's Rookie Of The Year For 2023-24
