Seattle Kraken (prospect) hockey returned last weekend, as the Kraken whippersnappers took on their counterparts from Vancouver. Seattle used a four-goal 3rd period rally Saturday in Everett to triumph over the Canucks rookies, 5-3. Sunday’s rematch at Kraken Community Iceplex was won by the visitors, 3-2.
A trio of prospects spoke about how they prepared for this year’s Kraken rookie camp.
Logan Morrison, Forward
- Age: 23 Height: 6-1 Weight: 183 From: Guelph, Ontario
- Kraken Draft History: Undrafted, signed 2023
- 2024-25 Season: AHL Coachella Valley; 72 games, 14 goals, 28 assists
Morrison was called up for four games with the Kraken in 2023-24, but none last year. However, he played all 72 regular season games for Firebirds coach Derek Laxdal.
“(Laxdal) helped me a ton. He’s a really detailed coach. We had a lot of meetings going over video and one-on-one stuff for sure, about playing center and what it takes to play at the next level.
“Obviously, I would have liked to be called up last year, but it didn’t happen. So that kind of fueled me this summer to push to make the team and get a call-up for sure. I put in tons of work this year. You need to lift heavy to get faster, but there’s a lot more that goes into it. It’s a lot of mobility and a lot of flexibility (training). I feel like that was big for me getting those first three steps faster, and stronger, too. I feel stronger than ever.”
Assessing rookie camp, and how campers improved from day one to day two.
“I think it’s exciting times for the organization with all the young talent we have here. Everyone’s goal is to kind of impress the new coaching staff, make a great impression. And if it’s not making the team, it’s being one of those first call-ups. Guys were just nervous (Thursday). I think the practice was better (Friday). A lot more crisp. Execution was better for sure.”
Tyson Jugnauth, Defense
- Age: 21 Height: 5-11 Weight: 183 From: Toronto
- Kraken Draft History: 4th round, 2022
- 2024-25 Season: WHL Portland Winterhawks; 65 games, 13 goals, 76 assists
May was a big month for Jugnauth, named WHL defenseman of the year, and signing a three-year entry level contract. He spent much of his summer at KCI working with Kraken strength and conditioning coaches Nate Brookreson and Jake Jensen.
“I’ve never been the strongest or the biggest guy. So once I signed my entry level contract and realized I’ve got three months to be ready, I needed to get my body in a place where I can absorb the game. The best way for me to do that was to stay in Seattle. And obviously Nate and Jake are great at what they do. I think now I’m ready.”
Staying in the Emerald City had fringe benefits, including hanging with Kraken vets during workouts.
“They’re great to me. They’re always talking to me. Jaden Schwartz invited me over to his house earlier in the summer, too. When I’m an older guy, at some point, I would say I’ll be doing that for the young guys, too.
“It’s pretty fun the last couple of weeks. I went to the Sounders game when (soccer superstar Lionel) Messi was here, which was awesome. We went to a U-Dub football game. We got field passes for the Seahawks.”
Berkly Catton, Forward
- Age: 19 Height: 5-10 Weight: 179 From: Saskatoon, Sask.
- Kraken Draft History: 1st round, 2024
- 2024-25 Season: WHL Spokane Chiefs; 57 games, 38 goals, 71 assists
For Catton, this isn’t his first rodeo, er, rookie camp.
“The first time when you see all the NHL guys, it’s kind of like a ‘wow’ factor. You know, your idols like Jordan Eberle, and you’re sitting beside him getting ready for a game. This year, that aspect is ruled out a little bit, you know what I mean? Coming in here, I understand what it’s going to be like. I know the guys a little bit more, so I think there’s more confidence in that sense and just ‘go and play.’
“This summer, I was skating with lots of NHL guys. It’s a different breed going into the corner with an older guy versus a guy in the Western League. Just learning how to use my body properly, and the strength I have, use that in the corners and come out with the puck.”