UConn forward Wood seeks to follow in Thompson's footsteps

At 6-foot-4, 193 pounds, Matthew Wood is learning to grow into his size to become a more complete hockey player. As the University of Connecticut forward prepares to be selected in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft, he continues to use Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson's breakout 2022-23 season as his inspiration.

After recording a career-high 68 points in 78 games during the 2021-22 campaign, Thompson tallied 94 points in 78 contests this season, including a historic five-goal game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 7.

However, the road wasn't easy for Thompson, who had registered just 35 points in his previous four seasons combined and had been plagued with injuries. His recent rise has been a testament to his hard work, determination and learning to adjust as a tall forward in the NHL.

"He's obviously been through a lot of adversity and that shows a lot. Credit to him for his character and being able to push through and develop and earn it," Wood said. "He's obviously a great role model and a great person and somebody I really look up to."

As NHL Central Scouting's No. 4-ranked North American skater in the draft, Wood is using that knowledge to his advantage and leaning on his coaches who worked with Thompson at UConn.

"My coaches have really helped me. They've helped me learn a lot about his process and about stuff that I can learn about myself and on my own," Wood said. "I think having that, our coaches are really experienced and knowledgeable so that's really helped me throughout this year, for sure.

"A lot of adjusting to do being taller, but it's a fun process and I love it."

The result was a stellar freshman season which saw Wood lead the Huskies with 34 points in 35 games, all while being the youngest player in college hockey.

He also helped lead Team Canada to a gold medal at last summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup with two goals and three assists in five games and bronze at the U-18 Worlds with 13 points in seven contests.

"I think it's just about having a lot of patience and trusting the process and working really hard and putting a lot of time into it and having an open mindset and being willing to learn," Wood said.

This patience and willingness to learn and adjust has been noticed by NHL Director of Central Scouting Dan Marr and his staff. They have even gone as far as comparing Wood to Thompson.

"All of our scouts cycled through, watched Connecticut play. And he (Wood) was just getting better by the game," Marr said during his media availability ahead of the NHL Combine. "What you could see was how he adapted to the level that he was playing at, how he adapted his foot speed to keep his feet moving.

"… The more it changed, the more his true game came into focus that in the offensive end, he's a very dangerous player. He can set up plays, he sees the ice, and then when he has the puck on his stick, he's got one of the best releases and best shots and a finishing touch."

Like Thompson, Wood needed to overcome his own obstacles in order to find success as a then-17-year-old in the NCAA. Adjusting to living away from home and responsibilities such as doing laundry and making his own meals were just some of the challenges he faced off the ice.

Wood credits his coaches and teammates for his quick transition, which allowed him to grow his confidence and implement everything he learned over the course of the season.

"I think the guys there and the coaching staff there have a great culture, and our leaders did a great job welcoming me and everyone else to the team," Wood said. "I got really close with those guys and had a really fun year. I think it's a huge credit to the leaders and the coaching staff for creating such a good culture there. I mean, I wouldn't change it for the world, for sure.

"I think I've put a lot of work in and I'm really willing to learn. I love learning and improving myself. I think I've shown that over the course of this year and years before as well."

As a child, Wood always wanted to play forward so that he could score goals. In his two seasons prior to college hockey, he proved he could do just that as he amassed 50 goals and 98 points in 64 games for the Victoria Grizzlies of the BCHL.

The 2021-22 BCHL Rookie of the Year has been mocked to Buffalo with the 13th-overall pick and was all smiles when asked about his interview with the Sabres during the Combine.

"…It was really fun, really cool," Wood said.

Wood used the opportunity to ask questions about Thompson to learn more about his process and path to success in the NHL as a 6-foot-6 center.

"He's a big role model of mine and, I mean, I really look up to him, so it was really fun."

As Wood waits for his name to be called at the draft, he is going to continue focusing on his development. He hopes to grow into a player like Thompson and have a major impact on his future NHL team.

Until then, the 18-year-old looks forward to the day when he will finally have the chance to meet his role model.