Berkly Catton Scores Twice as Kraken Defeats Bruins 7-4

Berkly Catton, the Seattle Kraken’s first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, celebrated a breakthrough moment on October 24, 2023, scoring his first two career goals in a 7-4 victory over the Boston Bruins. After a challenging start to his NHL career, Catton’s scoring drought ended dramatically, providing a boost for both him and his team.

The young forward had waited 28 games to find the back of the net. His first goal came early in the second period during a three-on-two rush. At 2:48, Catton received a pass from Jared McCann and launched a one-timer from a difficult angle. The puck slipped through the pads of Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, marking a significant milestone in Catton’s rookie season.

Reflecting on the moment, Catton expressed his relief. “A lot of weight off the shoulders for sure,” he said. “I’ve dreamed of that for a long time, so that was awesome.” The elation was palpable as McCann joined him in celebration along the boards, encapsulating the shared excitement of the Kraken’s roster.

The Kraken selected Catton with the eighth overall pick in the draft, following a successful stint with the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs. Although he registered his first NHL point with an assist during his debut on October 20, the elusive goal had been a lingering source of pressure. “Obviously I thought about it all the time, but I wouldn’t say it was really impacting me too much,” Catton noted. “But it’s just a relief more than anything to get it out of the way.”

With his first goal behind him, Catton quickly added a second, scoring at 14:00 of the third period. He showcased his skill with a deft backhand shot that beat Swayman over the glove, assisted by Freddy Gaudreau.

Kraken head coach Lane Lambert praised Catton’s performance. “I’ve said a few times prior to now that once he scores, I think he’ll score a few,” he remarked. Lambert’s confidence in the young player’s abilities appears well-founded after witnessing Catton’s swift transition from his first goal to a second in the same game.

The Kraken’s victory over the Bruins not only marked a significant personal achievement for Catton but also contributed to the team’s ongoing pursuit of success in the NHL. As the season progresses, Catton’s continued development will be crucial for Seattle, and fans will be eager to see how he builds on this promising start.