Ryan Winterton Bio
Ryan Winterton (born September 4, 2003) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays the centre position for the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected sixty-seventh overall by the Kraken in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. After developing through the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Hamilton Bulldogs, Winterton turned professional with the Kraken’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, before establishing himself at the NHL level.
Early Life and Background
Ryan Winterton was born on September 4, 2003, in Markham, Ontario, Canada, to parents Lesley and Garth Winterton. Although born in Markham, Winterton grew up in nearby Whitby, Ontario, where he began his ice hockey journey with the Whitby Wildcats of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA).
During the 2018–19 season, Winterton emerged as one of the top young players in the OMHA, amassing 38 goals and 34 assists through 36 games and helping the Wildcats qualify for the OMHA championship. During the tournament, Winterton and linemates Brenden Sirizzotti and Thomas Johnston combined for 42 points en route to the title.
Path to Professional Hockey
Following his OMHA championship, Winterton was selected eighth overall by the Hamilton Bulldogs in the 2019 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft. He made his OHL debut on September 30, 2019, scoring the game-winning goal in a 4–3 victory over the Sarnia Sting. By mid-October of his rookie season, he had contributed a goal and an assist through nine games and earned roles on both the power-play and penalty-kill units.
His strong play led to an invitation to represent Team Canada Black at the 2019 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, where he recorded three assists through five games. Winterton finished his first OHL campaign with 12 goals and 11 assists in 53 games, skating alongside future NHL talents Arthur Kaliyev and Jan Myšák.
Ryan Winterton Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020–21 OHL season, costing Winterton his entire sophomore year. During the layoff, he stayed sharp by participating in 5-on-5 and 3-on-3 scrimmages organized by his agent and various coaches. He also represented Canada at the 2021 IIHF World U18 Championships, posting two goals and two assists as Canada captured its fourth gold medal at the event.
After being listed as a ‘C’ prospect by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau, Winterton was upgraded to a ‘B’ prospect in January 2021. The Seattle Kraken selected him in the third round, 67th overall, at the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Hamilton Bulldogs Era (2021–2023)
Winterton suffered a shoulder injury during the Bulldogs’ 2021 preseason, sidelining him for roughly five months. He rehabilitated with Gary Roberts, the Kraken’s sports performance consultant, before returning in February 2022. Winterton immediately reignited the Bulldogs’ offence, recording seven goals and 11 points in his first 12 games back.
He finished the regular season with 46 points through 37 games and added 19 points in the 2022 OHL playoffs, helping Hamilton reach the J. Ross Robertson Cup finals. Despite dislocating his shoulder in Game 5 against the Windsor Spitfires, Winterton returned to record an assist in Game 7, sealing the Bulldogs’ 2022 Memorial Cup championship. After a Memorial Cup loss to the Saint John Sea Dogs, Winterton signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Seattle Kraken.
Coachella Valley Firebirds Era (2023–2025)
Assigned to the Coachella Valley Firebirds to start the 2023–24 season, Winterton quickly found a home on the team’s second line alongside Shane Wright and Cameron Hughes. He tallied three goals and two assists through his first seven professional games and received his first NHL call-up on November 9, 2023. He debuted that night against the Colorado Avalanche, registering one shot on goal in seven minutes of ice time.
Winterton returned to the AHL and starred during the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs, posting seven goals and five assists through 18 games to lead the Firebirds to the Calder Cup Finals. He scored twice in Game 6 of the Finals before the Hershey Bears rallied to win in overtime. After the Kraken’s 2024 training camp, Winterton again opened the 2024–25 season in Coachella Valley before earning another NHL recall on November 5, 2024. On December 3, 2024, he notched his first career NHL point, an assist, in a 4–2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes.
Seattle Kraken Era (2025–Present)
Following an impressive preseason, Winterton earned a spot on Seattle’s 2025–26 opening roster. On November 5, 2025, he scored his first career NHL goal in a 6–1 loss to the San Jose Sharks, cementing his arrival at the top level of professional hockey.
Driving Style and Strengths
Winterton is a skilled two-way centre known for his skating, hockey sense, and playmaking ability. His early chemistry with fellow Kraken prospects Shane Wright and Cameron Hughes in Coachella Valley highlighted his ability to drive offence on a line while remaining responsible defensively.
Notable Events and Milestones
Winterton’s career has featured several defining moments, including his Memorial Cup-clinching assist in 2022, his Calder Cup Finals run with the Firebirds in 2024, his first NHL point against the Carolina Hurricanes in December 2024, and his first NHL goal against the San Jose Sharks in November 2025.
Ryan Winterton Career Wins
Winterton’s trophy case includes major junior and amateur championships. He won the OMHA championship with the Whitby Wildcats in 2019, a gold medal at the 2021 IIHF World U18 Championships with Canada, and the 2022 Memorial Cup with the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Junior and Amateur Highlights
His junior résumé features the OMHA title in 2019, the Hamilton Bulldogs’ OHL playoff championship in 2022, and the franchise’s Memorial Cup victory that same year. Winterton also contributed to Canada’s gold-medal performance at the 2021 World U18 Championships.
Ryan Winterton Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Winterton was raised in Markham and Whitby, Ontario, by his parents, Lesley and Garth Winterton. His older brother, Jacob Winterton, also played competitive ice hockey, most recently with the University of Guelph.
Personal Life
Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 79 kilograms, Ryan Winterton remains focused on his young professional career with the Seattle Kraken organization and their AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025–26 season marks Ryan Winterton’s first full year on the Seattle Kraken’s opening roster after years of shuttling between the NHL club and the Coachella Valley Firebirds. He cracked the lineup out of training camp and earned his first NHL goal on November 5, 2025, against the San Jose Sharks.
His promotion reflects the Kraken’s confidence in his growth as a two-way centre, particularly his improved skating and playmaking. As a developing forward on a young roster, Winterton will be counted on to provide secondary scoring and dependable defensive play throughout the season.
With the Firebirds’ deep playoff experience serving as a foundation, Winterton enters 2025–26 focused on establishing himself as a long-term contributor for the Seattle Kraken.