The Spokane Chiefs’ captain, Berkly Catton, is currently in the midst of a historic playoff run that has solidified his status as one of the most promising young talents in the Western Hockey League. The 19-year-old center, who was selected by the Seattle Kraken with the 8th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, has been on fire in the 2025 WHL Championship Series, leading all skaters with 40 points in just 17 postseason games.
With Catton’s stellar play, the Chiefs have tied the series 1-1 against the Medicine Hat Tigers, with Game 2 showcasing the full extent of his ability. His two-goal, one-assist performance in a 6-2 victory in Game 2 helped the Chiefs bounce back from a Game 1 loss, where he scored Spokane's lone goal in a 4-1 defeat. His all-around game continues to impress, from scoring to setting up teammates in clutch moments. With a playoff-record 40 points and a spot near the top of the WHL's all-time leaderboards, Catton has shown the hockey world why he's one of the most exciting prospects in the game.
Catton dominates the WHL playoffs: A historic run
In the first two games of the 2025 WHL Championship Series, Catton earned four points, including two goals in Game 2. His first goal in the series came after a deft give-and-go with Shea Van Olm, where he drove the net and tucked the puck five-hole to get the Chiefs on the board. But it was Game 2 that truly highlighted his dynamic skill set. Catton played a critical role in Spokane's offensive surge, scoring the tying goal after a beautiful individual effort, and then assisting on Van Olm’s goal before sealing the victory with a breakaway goal of his own. His performance earned him the First Star honors for the game.
Through 17 playoff games, Catton has been on an absolute tear, leading the WHL in points with 11 goals and 29 assists. He is just six points shy of tying Pavel Brendl’s modern WHL playoff points record (46), and with his current momentum, he has a real shot at breaking it. Catton's consistency in the postseason has been impressive, recording three or more points in eight different games, and his 14-game point streak is the longest active streak in the 2025 WHL playoffs.
An impressive legacy in Spokane and beyond
Beyond the current playoff surge, Catton has built a legacy in Spokane that is cementing his place as one of the top players in Chiefs history. Since being selected first overall in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft, he has accumulated 116 goals, 168 assists, and 284 points in 197 regular-season games. His contributions rank him among the top-10 all-time in goals, assists, and points for Spokane, further solidifying his place as one of the franchise’s greatest players.
Catton's accolades don’t stop there. This season, he was named WHL Player of the Month for February and was honored as the Tempo WHL Player of the Week for the week ending May 11, 2025. His two-way play earned him the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player for the 2024-25 season. He was also a finalist for the prestigious Four Broncos Memorial Trophy for WHL Player of the Year and earned a spot on the WHL Western Conference First All-Star Team.
A future star for the Seattle Kraken
With his skill set, leadership qualities, and consistent performance in both the regular season and playoffs, Berkly Catton is poised to make an immediate impact in the NHL, and the Seattle Kraken are lucky to have him. Not only is he a dynamic offensive talent, but his hockey IQ, work ethic, and two-way game make him a well-rounded player who can contribute at both ends of the ice.
The Kraken will likely see Catton as a key figure in their future, and with the way he has performed in the playoffs, his debut in Seattle could come as early as next season. He has already shown his worth with Team Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship, and his leadership as the captain of Spokane has only raised his stock further. With a potential top-six spot awaiting him on the Kraken, Catton’s future looks incredibly bright.
As the Chiefs head into the pivotal Game 3 of the WHL Championship Series, all eyes will be on Catton to continue his impressive playoff run and lead his team in their quest for the Ed Chynoweth Cup. Regardless of the outcome of the series, Berkly Catton’s future in Seattle looks incredibly promising, and the Kraken faithful can’t wait to see what he brings to the NHL next season.