Matthew Hutchison was one of many WHLers who attended an NHL Development Camp this year. The Moose Jaw Warriors goaltender was an invitee with the Vancouver Canucks, where he had the opportunity to work with the organization he grew up cheering for. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience for Hutchison, who plans to apply what he learned next season in the WHL.
As mentioned, Hutchison grew up as a Canucks fan. The Nanaimo-born goaltender had spent his entire career playing in BC before being traded to the Moose Jaw Warriors this past season. According to Hutchison, being invited to Vancouver's Development Camp was a special moment and one he does not take for granted.
"It means the world to me, said Hutchison. "Growing up, they're my team. It's essentially my hometown team. We've talked about them all my life, me and all my buddies. So, getting the call to be able to come to training camp and be a part of the team for a period of time is huge. It's a great staff here, great players and just all around, great experience to learn and grow my game."
Hutchison was one of 16 undrafted players who attended Canucks Development Camp. Organizations often invite undrafted or unsigned prospects to their camp in order to get a better idea of players they may sign in the future. As Hutchison explained, even though he isn't a drafted prospect, Vancouver's staff spent time working with him and gave him every opportunity to stand out during the week-long development camp.
Meet The Vancouver Canucks 2025 Development Camp InviteesThe Vancouver Canucks open their 2025 Development Camp on June 30, with 33 players in attendance. On top of Vancouver's drafted prospects, the Canucks have invited 16 additional players to join the week-long camp. Here is a look at which players Vancouver invited this year.
"I think the biggest thing I've noticed is just how much it feels like every coach wants to help every player here, no matter if they're drafted, signed, invited to the camp, whatnot. Yeah, just the energy and positivity here is unbelievable."
Lastly, Hutchison was asked about some of the lesson's he learned while at camp. Not only did the 18-year-old get to work with NHL coaches, but players he could be facing off against in the future. According to Hutchison, his goal was to be a sponge and absorb as much knowledge as he could throughout the camp.
"I think, honestly, just looking around, seeing as much as I can. Whether that's looking at other goalies, like Younger (Ty Young) or Aku (Koskenvuo), and seeing what I can learn from them, or whether it's Marco Ian, just anything I can take in. I'm trying to soak in every little model I have here and use everything I see, and I'm involved with to better myself and grow my game."
The 2025-26 season is a big opportunity for Hutchison. He is the Warriors projected starter, and will be one of the top WHL goaltenders available for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. If Hutchison can have a strong campaign, he could be headed to a Development Camp next year, but this time as a drafted prospect.
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