Catton feels right at home as prospect for Kraken
The player selected as the 8th pick in the 2024 Draft has prior familiarity with Seattle due to their successful performance in the WHL at Spokane.
© Chris Mast
SEATTLE — Berkly Catton wasted no time showing off his high-end offensive talent, dazzling in drills and scrimmages at his first development camp for the Seattle Kraken last week.
During the organization’s five-day camp, the 18-year-old center prospect, who was chosen in the eighth position of the 2024 NHL Draft, showcased exceptional stickhandling and playmaking skills that left a lasting impression on the Kraken staff.
Kraken coach Dan Bylsma expressed his admiration for the player’s skills during the recent scrimmages, emphasizing his dynamism, playmaking abilities, and quickness with his stick. Bylsma particularly enjoyed watching him in the last game, where the player’s talent and ability were fully showcased.
Catton, hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has spent the past two seasons showcasing his talent in various locations throughout Washington State. At the age of 17, he emerged as a prominent force in the Western Hockey League, propelling the Spokane Chiefs to victory with an impressive 116 points (54 goals, 62 assists).
Having made several trips across the Cascade Mountains over the past two seasons to compete against the Seattle Thunderbirds and Everett Silvertips, Catton has become well-acquainted with the local hockey scene in the Emerald City. As a result, there is already a strong sense of familiarity between Catton and the Kraken, making it a reassuring experience for him to be a part of Seattle’s team.
Catton expressed his excitement about playing in Seattle, describing it as a remarkable experience. Even at Thunderbirds games, people proudly sport Seattle Kraken merchandise, highlighting the immense impact of the team in Washington. Being chosen by the Kraken is a thrilling prospect, even for fans of other teams like the Chiefs. For Catton personally, the opportunity to be constantly immersed in the Seattle atmosphere and then being selected by the Kraken is incredibly exhilarating.
Catton drafted by Seattle Kraken
By selecting Catton in the first round and following it up with Everett forward Julius Miettinen in the second round (No. 40), the Kraken showcased their belief in the benefits of drafting talent from their own region.
“We’re thrilled to have Berkly Catton and Miettinen in such close proximity as our travel budget has been reduced,” expressed Jeff Tambellini, the director of player development for the Kraken. “The opportunity for them to witness our team in action and be a part of our group is invaluable. The development staff is greatly excited about the increased interaction we’ll have with these individuals.”
In the Kraken system, there exist numerous junior hockey players from nearby teams in the WHL. Among them is defenseman Kaden Hammell, who also plays for Everett and has personally witnessed the devastating impact of Catton’s skills on the ice.
Hammell praised Catton, acknowledging him as an exceptional player. He found it amusing that his own role was to limit Catton’s performance, but he couldn’t deny Catton’s incredible skills. There seemed to be no flaws in his game, as he had a remarkable ability to anticipate the game on the ice. Catton’s presence on the team undoubtedly posed a challenge for Hammell’s defensive duties.
Despite being aware of the numerous obstacles he will encounter on his path to the NHL, Catton remains confident that his skill and hockey intelligence will enable him to make the jump in the foreseeable future.
“I believe that my intelligence alone will enable me to achieve success,” Catton expressed. “If you observe someone like [Wyatt] Johnston on the Dallas Stars, you’ll notice how adept he is at executing those subtle moves that gradually contribute to victories. I possess that same ability within myself, and I’m confident it will translate into my own achievements.”
