A six-foot, 185-pound, left-shot defender, who scored at least one goal per game last season, is now sporting a Vancouver Giants jersey.
The G-Men signed 2010-born defenceman Crosby Mateychuk, from Dominion City, Man., to a Western Hockey League (WHL) scholarship and development agreement.
Mateychuk was selected by the Giants with the 13th overall pick in the 2025 WHL prospects draft, Giants assistant general manager Pete Toigo said.
He played in the Manitoba U15 AAA league last season for the Eastman Selects, tallying 32 goals and 71 points in 31 games, including 28 points in his final 10 games of the regular season (11G-17A). His 71 points were the most of any defenceman in the league and he was named a Manitoba U15 second-team all-star.
鈥淲e are extremely excited to see Crosby sign his scholarship and development agreement with the Vancouver Giants," Toigo said. "He is a very talented player who comes from a great family. We look forward to seeing him at camp in August."
Mateychuk's older brother Denton is currently a defenceman with the Columbus Blue Jackets and was the WHL's defenceman of the year and playoff MVP in 2024 as he captained the Moose Jaw Warriors to their first-ever WHL championship.
"I'd like to thank my family for always being there and pushing me to be better, as well as all the people who have supported me throughout the start of my career," Crosby shared.
"I am thrilled to be a Giant and am very excited for the road ahead," the young player added.
By signing the agreement, Mateychuk is guaranteed a WHL scholarship for every year he plays in the WHL.
鈥淐rosby possesses a unique combination of skill, hockey IQ, and high compete,鈥� added Giants director of player personnel Greg Batters.
鈥淗e plays a measured, highly intelligent game. In the playoffs, he played his best hockey,鈥� Batters noted.
GIANTS SET DATE FOR HOME OPENER
In the meantime, on Wednesday the Giants announced they'll kick off the 2025-26 season with a home opener on Saturday, Sept. 20 against the brand new Penticton Vees.
The Vees were announced as a WHL expansion franchise in March. They will compete in the B.C. division, alongside the Giants, Kamloops Blazers, Kelowna Rockets, Prince George Cougars, and Victoria Royals.
Penticton's first-ever regular season game will be on Friday, Sept. 19 in Victoria against the Royals, before they take on the Giants the following night.
Meanwhile, Sept. 20's game will be the Giants' first of the season, puck dropping at 7 p.m. that night at 黑马磁力 Events Centre.
The 2025 WHL pre-season schedule and complete 782-game WHL regular season schedule for 2025-26 will be announced the week of June 23.
