Saskatchewan hockey players are seeing dreams come true

The stage was set for the first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft on Friday night at the Sphere in Las Vegas.

The stars shone in Sin City and Berkly Catton in Saskatoon shone just as brightly.

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

As Catton sat patiently waiting for his name to be called, he didn’t have to wait long. The Seattle Kraken took the stage and selected Catton eighth overall.

Catton is no stranger to being drafted high in the first round. He was selected first in the 2021 WHL Bantam Draft.

As the 18-year-old walked to the podium to put on his NHL jersey, he was greeted by another Seattle sports legend: former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch.

Catton wasn’t the only Saskatchewan-born player 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 recorded 77 points in 68 games last year and now joins Saskatoon’s Brayden Yager in the Penguins organization.

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

Smith played last season with the Everett Silvertips, where the defenseman scored 44 points in 67 games.

Nate Misskey from Melfort Saskatchewan was selected 143rd overall by the San Jose Sharks.

Misskey, also a defenceman, scored 34 points in 44 games for the Victoria Royals.

Chase Wutzke, a goaltender from Debden Saskatchewan, was selected at pick 142 by the Minnesota Wild.

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

In addition to Wutzke, there is also Prince Albert Raiders forward Ryder Ritchie, who was selected 45th overall by the Wild.

Ritchie had 44 points in 47 games for the Raiders last season.

Saskatoon Blades rookie Evan Gardner also heard his name called by the 60th-ranked Columbus Blue Jackets.

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