(Submitted photo by Matthew Perkins/Jeff Vinnick, Vancouver Canucks)

By Ben Tompkins

Canucks Hopeful

Former Bronco comfortable, confident following second development camp in Vancouver

Jul 8, 2024 | 4:30 PM

A former member of the Humboldt Broncos continues to work on his craft at an NHL-calibre level.

Matthew Perkins attended his second Vancouver Canucks development camp this past week, after having been drafted by the team last June.

According to Perkins, he was more confident and comfortable this time around, especially with the added one-on-one time with coaches that was presented this year.

“It was obviously awesome to be back in Vancouver, they took a little bit of a different approach this year in that they had just over half the amount of guys they had last year. That was nice because you got a lot more time with the coaches and skill development people there,” he told northeastNOW.

“Coming in more a second camp, I’d say I was a lot more comfortable, obviously I was coming off that high of being drafted and just super pumped and excited, so I kind of knew what to expect this time around and just enjoyed it.”

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The 2004-born forward is coming off his first season of NCAA Division I hockey, spending this past year with the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

As he ages and gets more experience under his belt, Perkins continues to feel more and more ready for that next step.

“In the first year, you have a lot of wow moments, and obviously when you’re on the ice with the Sedins for the first time it’s pretty crazy, so going back a second time you’re just a lot more comfortable because you know a lot of guys within the organization. Stuff comes a bit easier and you’re a little more confident,” added Perkins.

“I also just came into camp more confident in my overall abilities after spending a full year in division one. Our coach does a great job prepping us for the pro-style game and just playing the right way, so that’s probably the biggest thing.”

Prior to his year in Minnesota-Duluth, the Balgonie, Sask. native played one season in the USHL (United States Hockey League) with the Youngstown Phantoms.

Meanwhile, it was the 2021-22 campaign where he played in the SJHL with the Humboldt Broncos, as he can’t believe how far it’s been, yet the fact that he is technically still eligible.

“It’s pretty crazy looking back, my dad was making the joke the other day that I would still have another year in the SJHL, so I had been thinking about my time in Humboldt. From then to now, I’m playing in a different country and have been drafted into the NHL which is pretty amazing,” Perkins explained.

“A huge step for my development was that year in Humboldt and what I was able to do there. Now I’m focused on something similar in my next season as I realize how close I am to the NHL. I just want to do whatever I can to put myself in a position to get that call from Vancouver.”

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

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