Only 14, Savoie is on a fast track

Skates like MacKinnon, models game on McDavid, eyes early move to junior

He’s only 14 but already Matthew Savoie is drawing comparisons to the likes of Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon.

Trouble is, Savoie isn’t eligible for the WHL bantam draft until May 2019 and even then would be allowed to play just five games during the 2019-20 campaign. That has Savoie’s family considering whether to apply to Hockey Canada for exceptional status.

If granted, Savoie could play the entire 2019-20 season.

“There’s been some talk about it,” said Savoie’s father, Scott.

Scott Savoie is well aware of the risks associated with allowing his son to move away from home and play in the WHL as a 15-year-old. But there’s also the consideration of Matthew Savoie’s development.

“We still want to challenge him in the game,” Scott Savoie said. “So depending on what his skill level is, if that’s the next level he needs to get to to be challenged, then you have to take that into account as well.”

The native of St. Albert, Alta., began playing bantam hockey as a 12-yearold last season, competing against 13 and 14-year-olds. He’s in his second year at the level, having recorded 20 goals and 61 points in 19 games with the Northern Alberta Xtreme.

His average of 3.2 points per game is tied for first in the CCSHL Bantam Prep Division.

Brent Parker, a former Regina Pats executive now serving as the head western Canadian scout for ISS Hockey, feels Savoie might’ve been a top-five selection at last year’s Western Hockey League draft and would certainly go first overall this year if eligible.

“Because of the way he skates I hate using Sidney Crosby,” Parker said. “But he kind of plays the same type of style where he’s so competitive, fights for pucks and is hard on his stick. “I remember watching Nathan MacKinnon in bantam with Shattuck St. Mary’s, and there’s a little bit of that. I don’t think he’s quite as explosive a skater as MacKinnon, but he’s an awful good skater.”

But the WHL isn’t Savoie’s only option. He could follow his older brother, 15-year-old Carter Savoie, and take the college route. The older Savoie has committed to the University of Denver in November despite being selected by Regina in the 2017 WHL draft.

Hockey Canada has granted exceptional status to only five players, including New York Islanders captain John Tavares, for whom the rule was created when he was a 14-year-old phenom in 2004-05. Four have been in the Ontario Hockey League, including Oilers captain Connor McDavid and one has been in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The WHL has yet to have one.

“If they apply for it, I’d be shocked if they didn’t get it,” Parker said. “He’s good enough.

“You watch the way he plays and how hard he competes. He’s dynamic when he’s got the puck on his stick and yet he works hard to get back and play the game at the other end too — there’s just not much to not like about the way he plays.”

The five-foot-eight, 150-pound forward tries to model his game after McDavid.

“My stick skills and shot at this point and my communication as well,” Savoie said regarding the areas he’s looking to get better in.

Playing against older talent has required him to be more focused.

“It’s a lot more challenging and it makes you work harder,” he said. Savoie’s ability to adapt to midget hockey — where he will play against 17year-olds — next season will help the family determine whether to apply for exceptional status.

“If he’s one of the top players there then it’s always a good measuring stick,” said Kevin Epp, a family adviser for the Savoies. “When you see kids that are a year ahead of you who’re going to go play major junior, if you’re as good as them and you’re younger, then it’s kind of like, ‘OK well, if they’re going to play in the WHL, why wouldn’t I?’ ”