Matthew Blair Davidson, a former hockey player and director of player personnel, passed away recently at his home. He was 48 years old.
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Davidson is survived by wife Jane and their son Hyde. He is also survived by his father Blair and his wife Joanne; his mother Fonda and her wife Patti; his brother Andy and his wife Karen and their boys James, Joel, and Jacob.
A native of Manitoba, Davidson entered the NHL as a fourth-round pick in 1995. He was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres, but he actually ended up spending three seasons (2000-2003) with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He appeared in five games while scoring 12 points and delivering seven assists.
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) April 29, 2026
While Davidson did not make his NHL debut until 2000, he spent multiple seasons during the 1990s playing for the Portland Winterhawks, the team he would later join in another role. He appeared in 273 games in the Western Hockey League between 1993-1997.
Once he completed his playing career, Davidson attended university in Edmonton and earned an education degree. He then began teaching at St. Benedict Catholic Elementary School, where he also led the hockey academy.
The Manitoba native returned to professional hockey, first while working as a scout. He then took over as the Director of Player Personnel for the Portland Winterhawks.
The Western Hockey League is deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Matt Davidson, Director of Player Personnel for the @pdxwinterhawks.
Matt was a beloved and highly respected member of hockey’s scouting community and cherished by those lucky enough to have… pic.twitter.com/3tM9kT4s2t
— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) April 28, 2026
"The Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club is deeply saddened by the news that Matt Davidson, our Director of Player Personnel, has passed away," the team said in a statement. "Matt had a tremendous impact on our organization as a player from 1993-1997, as a regional scout, and as Director of Player Personnel, leading our scouts and players. Matt had an infectious personality, loved his family, was passionate about hockey, and deeply cared for everyone.
"Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to his wife, Jane, his son, Hyde, and all his family and friends during this difficult time."
