On a memorable Sunday afternoon, Jason Mateychuk received an unexpected phone call from his son, Denton, which instantly filled him with excitement and curiosity. The call came just three days before Christmas, leading Jason to believe his son was calling to make travel arrangements for the holidays. However, nothing could prepare him for the exhilarating news Denton had to share. “I thought he was going to get me to check him in for his flight to come home (for the holidays),” Jason recounted on Monday at Nationwide Arena. “And he said, ‘Dad, I’m going to the big club.’ I was utterly shocked and overwhelmed with pride, responding, ‘What?!’ and then, ‘I’m so proud of you.’

This heartfelt exchange highlighted the deep bond between father and son, showcasing how far Denton has come in his hockey career. Jason emphasized how hard Denton has worked to reach this point, affirming to him, “You deserve it.” This moment of pride was not just a reflection of Denton’s achievements but also of the unwavering support from his family throughout his journey.

Denton’s rise in the hockey world has been nothing short of impressive. Over the past few years, he has consistently demonstrated his talent and dedication, dominating the Canadian junior hockey ranks and carving out a name for himself in the American Hockey League during his rookie season. His hard work culminated in an unforgettable holiday gift for the Mateychuk family: Denton made his NHL debut with the Blue Jackets, showcasing his skills and proving his worth on the ice. In a thrilling game against the Montreal Canadiens, he logged an impressive 18:36 of ice time, contributing to a 5-4 victory for the CBJ.

Experiencing his first NHL game was a dream come true for Denton, who had envisioned this moment since childhood. He described the emotional rollercoaster of the day, saying, “It was an awesome moment. I think going out for warmups there were probably more nerves, but just starting the game, getting that first one out of the way, I think it’s good. I think probably the third or fourth shift, I was like, ‘All right, I’ve settled in a little bit.’” This sentiment reflects the intensity and excitement of playing at the highest level of hockey, highlighting how players adapt to the thrilling pace and demands of the game.

During his debut, Denton impressed spectators and teammates alike with his composure and skill, particularly given that he is only 20 years old and playing one of the most challenging positions in the sport. Named after the legendary baseball pitcher Denton True “Cy” Young, Mateychuk exhibited remarkable poise throughout the night. He effectively utilized his stick to disrupt passing plays from the Canadiens, engaged in fierce battles along the boards, and seamlessly transitioned into offensive plays when necessary, demonstrating a well-rounded skill set that bodes well for his future.

Given his background and accolades leading up to this moment, Denton’s performance was hardly surprising. He previously shone on Canada’s World Juniors team and dominated junior hockey with the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League. In the 2023-24 season alone, he amassed a staggering total of 28 goals and 105 points in 72 games, earning recognition as the league’s top defenseman and playoff MVP. His strong performance in junior hockey laid a solid foundation for his transition to the professional level, whereby he continued to impress during training camp and with the Cleveland Monsters in the AHL.

“He’s super solid,” expressed CBJ alternate captain Zach Werenski, who has firsthand experience of achieving success at a young age as a defenseman. “He’s been that way both camps he’s been here. Obviously what he’s doing in the American League right now is special. He just plays the right way all over the ice, makes plays, he’s never out of position, and he has success doing it.” Werenski’s praise underscores Denton’s readiness for the NHL and the high expectations surrounding his future.

The journey from the small town of Dominion City, Manitoba, to the bright lights of Columbus is a remarkable feat for Denton and his family. Although their individual athletic commitments led to a scattered family presence, Jason, along with Denton’s mother Keela and his siblings Maddux, Kasen, Crosby, and Brylee, were all present at Nationwide Arena for the special occasion. “It’s amazing,” Jason reflected. “Something like this is always in the back of your mind. You hope that it happens, but you never know. To be here, it’s just unbelievable. We’re beaming with pride.”

The hard work and dedication that Denton has invested in his hockey career are evident. He possesses not only exceptional hockey sense and skating abilities but has also made significant improvements since being selected 12th overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2022 draft. Denton has focused on enhancing his shot, studying the game to determine when to join the attack or remain defensively responsible, and refining his positioning in the defensive zone to effectively neutralize opposing players.

While the speed and intensity of the NHL game can be daunting, Denton felt he adjusted well during his debut. “I think everything elevated a little bit,” he noted. “In preseason, guys are trying to make teams, but once you get all your systems and everything set, it’s definitely a bit quicker. I knew it was going to be quick coming in. I was ready to make that adjustment, and I felt like I did a pretty good job of that.” This adaptability and readiness to embrace the fast-paced nature of the NHL exemplify Denton’s potential for a successful career at the highest level.