Blue Jackets prospect Denton Mateychuk named WHL’s top defenseman
The Western Hockey League (WHL) announced that Columbus Blue Jackets prospect and Moose Jaw Warriors Captain Denton Mateychuk has been awarded the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy as WHL Defenseman of the Year for 2023-24.
Mateychuk registered 17 goals and 58 assists for 75 points and a +35 rating through 52 games, he ranked third among all WHL defensemen in points.
Mateychuk has tallied eight goals and 27 points in 15 WHL Playoff contests as the Warriors are currently in the WHL’s Eastern Conference Finals against the Saskatoon Blades.
As the highest-scoring defenceman in @MJWARRIORS franchise history, @BlueJacketsNHL prospect Denton Mateychuk is the recipient of the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the @remax WHL Defenceman of the Year. #WHLAwards pic.twitter.com/7uZkdV3dIm
— The WHL (@TheWHL) May 7, 2024“It’s a huge honor to win the top defenseman award this year,” Mateychuk said. “I want to take the time to congratulate the other division winners on their great seasons. It was pretty cool to be able to tell my family that I won the award after all we’ve been through together and all they’ve done for me. It was also really cool to share with my teammates and my coaches. I want to thank them for all that they’ve done for me this year and in the previous years and for the player that I am today. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Mateychuk had a hot start to the season with Moose Jaw, amassing six goals and 29 assists over 23 straight games from October 10, 2023, to December 8, 2023. He was named to Canada’s World Juniors squad and put up four assists and a +6 rating in five games. His dominance continued when he returned to the Warriors and racked up his career total to 41 goals and 174 assists for 215 points in 203 regular-season games; setting a new franchise record for defensemen.
Mateychuk was selected by the Blue Jackets’ No. 12 overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.