Golden memories for Gard as he prepares for NHL Draft
By DANNY RODE
The Red Deer Rebels’ WHL season turned out to be a disappointment as they missed the playoffs, but there was some upside for second year forward Matthew Gard.
The 18-year-old led the Rebels in scoring, played for Team Canada in the 2025 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship in Texas, and will be selected in the NHL Draft next month.
Gard helped lead Team Canada win U18 gold with a goal and three assists in seven games.
“It was a cool experience,” said the six-foot-four, 185-pound Gard, in a phone interview from his home in Winnipeg. “I really didn’t know what to expect going in, to be honest, and it exceeded all expectations.”
Gard took a regular shift in the early portion of the tournament.
“The first four games I played a lot then once the playoffs started, I played a little less,” he said.
But it didn’t take away from the euphoria of winning gold as Canada defeated Sweden 7-0 in the final.
“It was an amazing experience,” he said. “There’s no feeling like it. It’s something I’ll always remember.”
Making Team Canada was something Gard worked hard to accomplish.
“It was especially gratifying in a sense that I worked hard for it and once it came true it was rewarding for sure,” he said.
“Every since I was little it was something I dreamed of … something I wanted to do.”
Now that he’s got his foot in the door, he’s hoping Hockey Canada will keep him in mind for future teams.
“It good to be on their radar … you never know what will happen down the road,” he said.
Matt will also remember his goal.
“I scored in the first game. It was a thrill for sure.”
The World U18 Championship wasn’t Gard’s first taste of international competition.
“When I was 12 played in an international tournament in Italy,” he said. “It was smaller, but there were international teams from across the globe which made it a different experience, pretty cool.”
Getting to see the calibre of teams and players from other countries is “a unique experience for sure, really cool to see.”
Gard’s season isn’t over as he’s preparing for the NHL Scouting Combine, set for June 1-7 in Buffalo. It’s a pre-draft event where top prospects undergo comprehensive physical and medical testing, interviews, and medical screenings.
“That’s next,” he said. “I’ll be spending time on the ice to get ready.”
It’s something he’s looking forward to; to see some friends he made with Team Canada.
“There will be some guys there, which makes it more comfortable,” he said.
Gard goes into the combine and NHL Draft ranked in the top 60 prospects on most reputable scouting lists, which could put him in the second or third round. NHL Central Scouting lists him 37th among North American Skaters.
The first round of the draft goes June 27 and the remainder the following day at the LA Live’s Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. Gard has no idea where, or by whom, he’ll be selected.
“I’ve talked with a good amount of teams over the past six months, so it; will be thrilling no matter who takes me,” he said.
He won’t be going to the draft as the format has changed this year and only the first-round selections are expected to be on-hand.
Gard is not only looking forward to the draft, but next season with the Rebels.
“Everyone is a year older, but still we are a young exciting group, built for success down the road,” he said. “We have a good group returning with some good young players coming in.”
One familiar face who won’t be back is head coach Dave Struch, who left the team because of family matters.
“I know it’s disappointing for myself that Strucher won’t be back,” said Gard. “Everyone liked him for sure … he was a good guy, but it is what it is.”
As for the new coach “I haven’t thought much about that.”
Gard, who was picked by the Rebels in the second round of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, finished with 19 goals and 17 helpers last season and was pleased with his progression during the season.
“A big leap in every game, more minutes and more confidence.”
He hopes to take some time off then prepare for the season.
“I’ll work on getting faster, put on some pounds and work on my shot, which is something I can try to develop a little more,” he told me in a previous interview.
