Mathis Preston does everything fast.
From his speedy skating and scores to blitzing to one of the top 2026 NHL draft prospects, he can’t slow down.
“Kinda being more the guy,” Spokane Chiefs forward Preston said. “Being the heartbeat on the team is what I’ve been focusing on, and I like it. I like the pressure.”
“He’s a very competitive individual, which is nice as a coach to have a player that’s very competitive,” Spokane head coach Brad Lauer said.
The British Columbian began his career with Spokane, appearing in five games in 2023-24, to then 54 last year, adding in nine playoff goals for Spokane’s run to the WHL Western Conference Finals.
“Each year, you got new guys coming in, 16-year-olds, guys that’re trying to make an impact on the league, whether it’s 18-year-old rookies, I think we have a few old rookies this year,” Preston said. “I think everyone who came into our group has bonded really well, it’s been good.”
Chiefs legends Shea Van Olm and Berkly Catton helped shape Preston, and he shares the advice they gave him ahead of this draft season.
“I think just enjoying each day and love the process,” Preston said. “I think you gotta be present, that’s important. You gotta be present for your teammates and coaches, and enjoy the game.”
Including those studs and plenty more over the years, Coach Lauer led many to the big leagues, and he sees that same potential in Preston.
“He does the little things very well right now at a young age, which is nice to see,” Lauer said. “When you see individuals committed to that, success is going to follow them.”
“I just try to look to him for advice and just be a sponge, and learn as much as I can,” Preston said. “This is my first time doing it.”
Now the 17-year-old tries to pass down his knowledge to the rookies, hoping to pace Spokane’s continued success.
“When someone just went through it, for me, it’s easier to go like, ‘oh yeah, he just went through it in this era, he knows what it’s like’, so I think it’s important to go help them,” Preston said.
The Chiefs continue their 2025-26 season tomorrow at the Everett Silvertips at 7:05 p.m.
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