The Kamloops Blazers have signed 18-year-old forward Kai Matthew to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

The Edmonton native was a fifth round pick of the Blazers in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft.

The 2005-born Matthew had 21 points (seven goals and 14 assists) in 25 games for the Drumheller Dragons in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

“I had a good couple of years in the AJHL for sure, and just kind of at that point in time where I thought I was ready to make the jump to the WHL,” Matthew told NL Sports.

“I think I’m a power forward, two-way player with a pretty good shot. Just like to be relied on in all areas of the ice so yeah, looking forward to showing that to the fans here in Kamloops.”

At the age of 13, Matthew had committed to playing for the NCAA’s University of Denver, a commitment he will forego by signing with the Blazers.

The five-foot-eleven forward will join the Blazers in Victoria and make his WHL debut on Tuesday night.

“It’s going to be awesome,” Matthew said. “I don’t think its really kicked in yet that I’m a Blazer, so I think it will tomorrow and I’m just excited to get that going.”

Matthew’s signing means the Blazers have 25 players on the roster – 15 forwards, eight defensemen, and two goaltenders.

Blazers finally land Kai Matthew. A 5th round pick in 2020, Kai had a commitment to Denver (NCAA) since grade eight. Recently de-committed. In his bantam draft year he was considered a 1st round talent, but the Denver tie dropped him to the 5th. He could make Blazer debut Tues. https://t.co/SJdCaCtRj3

— Jon Keen (@JonKeenNLSports) November 27, 2023