Saskatchewan hockey players see dreams become a reality

The stage was set Friday night at the Sphere in Las Vegas for round one of the 2024 NHL Entry draft.

The stars were bright in Sin City and Saskatoon’s Berkly Catton was shining just as bright.

The 18-year-old spent last year with the Spokane Chiefs in the Western Hockey League (WHL) where he put up 116 points in 68 games.

As Catton sat patiently waiting to hear his name called, he wouldn’t have to wait too long as the Seattle Kraken came to the stage and selected Catton eighth overall.

Catton is no stranger to being drafted high up in the first round as he was a first overall pick in the 2021 WHL Bantam draft.

As the 18-year-old made his way to the stage to put on his own NHL jersey, he was greeted by another Seattle sports legend, former Seattle Seahawk running back Marshawn Lynch.

Catton wasn’t the only Saskatchewan-born player to be selected in this year’s NHL Entry Draft.

Regina Pats forward and Prince Albert product Tanner Howe was selected 46th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Howe put up 77 points in 68 games last year and now joins Saskatoon’s Brayden Yager in the Penguins organization.

Tarin Smith out of Porcupine Plain Saskatchewan was selected 79th overall by the Anaheim Ducks.

Smith spent last season with the Everett Silvertips where the defenceman put up 44 points in 67 games.

Nate Misskey out of Melfort Saskatchewan was drafted 143rd overall by the San Jose Sharks.

Misskey, also a defenceman, put up 34 points in 44 games with the Victoria Royals.

Chase Wutzke, a goaltender out of Debden Saskatchewan was drafted 142 overall by the Minnesota Wild.

Wutzke had a .904 save percentage and a 2.82 goals against average in 36 games with the Red Deer Rebels.

Joining Wutzke in the Wild organization is Prince Albert Raiders forward Ryder Ritchie who was selected 45th overall by the Wild.

Ritchie put up 44 points in 47 games with the Raiders this past season.

The Saskatoon Blades rookie netminder Evan Gardner also heard his name get called by the Columbus Blue Jackets at 60th overall.

Gardner had a .927 save percentage and a 1.91 goals against average in 30 WHL games.