Kraken Prospects Clash As WHL Semi-Finals Begin Thursday Night

The Western Hockey League semi-finals are underway, and several Seattle Kraken prospects are making headlines with standout performances as they chase the Ed Chynoweth Cup. With key matchups set to begin this weekend, Kraken fans have plenty of reasons to keep their eyes on the WHL.

Kicking things off in the Western Conference for the Everett Silvertips are forward Julius Miettinen and defenseman Kaden Hammell, both of whom played vital roles in their team’s first-round victory over the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Miettinen, a 6’3” center from Helsinki, Finland, was Seattle’s second-round pick (40th overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft. In his second WHL playoff appearance, the skilled Center tallied three goals and one assist, adding to a résumé that already includes three WHL Rookie of the Week honors from his first season.

On the back end, Hammell brings experience and a steady presence. The 6’1” right-shot defenseman from Langley, B.C., was drafted by Seattle in the fifth round (148th overall) in 2023. Hammell posted five points in the opening series, contributing one goal and four assists as he continues to anchor Everett’s blue line in his third playoff run with the team.

The Silvertips now prepare for a high-stakes clash with the Portland Winterhawks, with games one and two set for Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12, in Everett. Across the ice, they’ll face fellow Kraken prospect Tyson Jugnauth, a dynamic defenseman for Portland.

Jugnauth, drafted by Seattle in the fourth round (100th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, is in his final WHL season and making it count. The 5’11”, 171-pound Kelowna, B.C. native—who previously skated for the Kamloops Blazers—has totaled a staggering 130 points (20 goals, 110 assists) over two seasons with Portland. In round one alone, Jugnauth recorded an impressive 16 points (2 goals, 14 assists), showcasing his elite playmaking ability and offensive instincts.

Elsewhere in the WHL, Kraken first-rounder Berkly Catton continues to dominate. The 5’10”, 175-pound forward from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is lighting it up for the Spokane Chiefs.

Selected first overall by Seattle in the 2024 NHL Draft, Catton has amassed 109 points (38 goals, 71 assists) in his fourth WHL season. His standout performance helped lift Spokane past the Vancouver Giants in the opening round. Catton picked up 14 points (4 goals, 10 assists) in just five games—including a game 5 explosion with two goals and five assists in a stunning 9–4 victory. The Chiefs now look ahead to a semi-final battle with the Victoria Royals in what promises to be another thrilling series.

Eastern WHL Semi-Final Set: Dragicevic Leading the Charge for Prince Albert

Rounding out the WHL semi-final matchups in the Eastern Conference are the Prince Albert Raiders and the Medicine Hat Tigers, with Kraken prospect Lukas Dragicevic emerging as a key player to watch.

Selected by Seattle in the second round (57th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft, Dragicevic is making an immediate impact in his first season with the Raiders. The 6’2”, 196-pound defenseman from Richmond, B.C., was acquired via trade from the Tri-City Americans, where he spent four strong seasons developing his game.

In the opening playoff round, Dragicevic was a force, notching an impressive 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists) as he helped power Prince Albert into the semi-finals. Known for his offensive instincts and smooth puck movement, he brings both leadership and skill to the Raiders’ back end.

Dragicevic’s strong performance is no surprise—he’s already built a decorated résumé, including a bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. As Prince Albert prepares to Medicine Hat for a spot in the WHL Finals, Dragicevic’s two-way play and playoff experience could be the difference-maker.

With four Kraken prospects still in the hunt across both divisions, Seattle’s pipeline continues to impress on junior hockey’s biggest stage.

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