Taylor Matson (born September 16, 1988) is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing for HV71 in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He was drafted 176th overall by Vancouver Canucks in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to turning professional, Matson spent four years at the University of Minnesota and in the American Hockey League (AHL) and ECHL.
Playing career
Matson was a two sport athlete at the Academy of Holy Angels, playing both tennis and ice hockey. In 2005, Matson led his schools hockey team to the 2005 Class AA state hockey championship. Although he was drafted 25th overall in the 2005 United States Hockey League (USHL) Draft by the Sioux Falls Stampede, Matson chose to complete high school before joining the USHL. In varsity tennis, he was named captain his junior and senior year and qualified for the State championship. At the conclusion of the 2006–07 season, Matson was named a finalist for the Minnesota Mr. Hockey award and named a second team all-state. After graduating, Matson joined the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL to conclude their 2006–07 season. While playing with the Buccaneers, Matson was drafted in the 6th round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks. That year, Matson signed a Letter of Intent to play NCAA Division 1 ice hockey for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers in the 2008-09 season.