Ryan Winterton Bio
Ryan Winterton is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who serves as a centre for the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on September 4, 2003, in Markham, Ontario, Winterton was selected sixty-seventh overall by the Kraken in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. He began his professional career in 2023 and has since developed within the Kraken organization, appearing in both the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Coachella Valley Firebirds and the NHL with Seattle. Winterton played his junior hockey for the Hamilton Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he won a Memorial Cup in 2022.
Early Life and Background
Winterton was born on September 4, 2003, in Markham, Ontario, Canada. His father is Garth Winterton and his mother is Lesley Winterton. His older brother Jacob also pursued ice hockey, most recently playing for the University of Guelph. Winterton grew up in the Greater Toronto Area and developed his passion for hockey at a young age in the local minor hockey system.
Winterton began his organized hockey career in Whitby, Ontario, playing for the Whitby Wildcats in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA). During the 2018–19 season, he emerged as a highly productive forward, accumulating 38 goals and 34 assists through 36 games while helping the Wildcats qualify for the OMHA championship. In the tournament, Winterton and his linemates Brenden Sirizzotti and Thomas Johnston combined for 42 points, leading the team to the championship title. His exceptional performance in minor hockey caught the attention of major junior scouts across the OHL.
Path to Professional Hockey
Following his success with the Whitby Wildcats, Winterton was drafted eighth overall by the Hamilton Bulldogs in the 2019 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft. He made his OHL debut during the shortened 2019–20 season on September 30, 2019, scoring the game-winning goal in a 4–3 victory over the Sarnia Sting. His strong play quickly earned him a spot on both the power play and penalty kill units. As a result of his early performance, Winterton was selected to represent Team Canada Black at the 2019 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, where he recorded three assists through five games.
Winterton continued his development with the Bulldogs following the international tournament. Playing alongside notable teammates Arthur Kaliyev and Jan Myšák, he finished his rookie OHL season with 12 goals and 11 assists in 53 games. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020–21 OHL season, preventing Winterton from playing a second year of junior hockey. Despite the setback, he remained active, participating in scrimmages organized by his agent and coaches. He was subsequently selected to represent Canada at the 2021 IIFH World U18 Championships, where he recorded two goals and two assists, helping Canada win its fourth gold medal at the tournament.
Ryan Winterton Career
Amateur Career (2019–2022)
Following his international success and improved draft ranking, Winterton was chosen by the Seattle Kraken in the third round, 67th overall, at the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Before beginning his professional journey, he was expected to compete for the Bulldogs during the 2021–22 season. However, he suffered a shoulder injury during the Bulldogs’ preseason camp and missed the first five months of the OHL schedule. During his recovery, Winterton rehabilitated his shoulder under the guidance of Gary Roberts, a sports performance consultant affiliated with the Kraken organization.
Winterton returned to the Bulldogs lineup in February 2022 and quickly demonstrated his impact, scoring seven goals and 11 points through his first 12 games back. He finished the regular season with 46 points in 37 games, helping the Bulldogs advance to the J. Ross Robertson Cup finals. During the 2022 OHL playoffs, he contributed 19 points in 18 games. In Game 5 of the finals against the Windsor Spitfires, Winterton suffered a dislocated shoulder after scoring. Despite the injury, he returned to record an assist in Game 7, securing the series victory and advancing Hamilton to the Memorial Cup championship tournament.
Seattle Kraken Era (2023–Present)
After the Bulldogs concluded their Memorial Cup run, Winterton signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Seattle Kraken in June 2022. He participated in the Kraken’s training camp ahead of the 2023–24 season before being assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, to start the campaign. Winterton quickly adapted to professional hockey, centering the Firebirds’ second line with Shane Wright and Cameron Hughes. He recorded three goals and two assists through his first seven AHL games.
Winterton received his first NHL recall on November 9, 2023, joining the Kraken ahead of their game against the Colorado Avalanche. He made his NHL debut that night, recording seven minutes of ice time and one shot on goal. After playing three games at the NHL level, he was returned to the Firebirds. During the 2024 Calder Cup playoffs, Winterton proved to be a key contributor, scoring seven goals and five assists through 18 games as the Firebirds advanced to the Calder Cup Finals. He scored twice in Game 6 of the Finals before the Firebirds fell to the Hershey Bears in overtime.
For the 2024–25 season, Winterton again began with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. He recorded three goals and two assists through seven games before being recalled to the NHL level on November 5, 2024. After appearing in one game without registering a point, he was returned to the AHL. He was recalled again on November 28 and scored his first career NHL point, an assist, in a 4–2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on December 3. He finished the season with limited NHL appearances before returning to the Firebirds.
Winterton earned a roster spot with the Seattle Kraken for the 2025–26 season after impressing the coaching staff during training camp. He scored his first career NHL goal on November 5, 2025, in a 6–1 loss to the San Jose Sharks, marking a significant milestone in his professional career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Winterton’s career has been defined by resilience and steady progression. His recovery from multiple shoulder injuries while maintaining his development trajectory showcased his dedication to the sport. Winning the Memorial Cup with the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2022 provided him with championship experience at the junior level. His first professional goals at both the AHL and NHL levels represent the culmination of years of development within the Kraken organization.
Ryan Winterton Career Wins
Throughout his amateur and professional career, Winterton has accumulated several notable championship victories and achievements at both the junior and international levels.
Major Championships
Winterton’s most significant team accomplishment came in 2022 when he helped the Hamilton Bulldogs capture the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions. The victory advanced the Bulldogs to the Memorial Cup tournament, where Winterton contributed 19 points through 18 playoff games. At the international level, Winterton won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2021 IIHF World U18 Championships, recording four points across the tournament. Earlier in his career, he won an OMHA championship with the Whitby Wildcats in 2018–19, scoring 72 points in 36 games during the regular season before helping his team capture the tournament title.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond championship victories, Winterton has demonstrated consistent offensive production at every level. In his rookie OHL season with Hamilton, he recorded 23 points in 53 games despite being among the youngest players in the league. His AHL career has shown promise, with his seven-goal playoff performance in 2024 helping the Firebirds reach the Calder Cup Finals. His first professional goals in both the AHL and NHL represent important developmental benchmarks.
Ryan Winterton Family
Family Background
Ryan Winterton grew up in Markham, Ontario, with his family deeply involved in sports. His father Garth Winterton and mother Lesley Winterton supported his hockey ambitions throughout his development. Winterton’s older brother Jacob also pursued hockey at the junior and university levels, playing most recently for the University of Guelph. The Winterton family’s commitment to athletics provided Ryan with a supportive environment to develop his skills and passion for the game.
2025 Season Performance
Winterton entered the 2025–26 NHL season with renewed confidence after scoring his first career NHL goal the previous November. The Seattle Kraken coaching staff had shown faith in his development by including him on their opening roster, a testament to his progress since turning professional. Winterton’s ability to contribute at both the AHL and NHL levels demonstrated his versatility and adaptability as a young centre.
Throughout the early portion of the season, Winterton worked to establish himself as a consistent presence within the Kraken lineup. His first career goal against San Jose provided momentum heading into the campaign. The experience gained from previous AHL playoff runs and his growing comfort at the professional level positioned him as a player to watch as he continued his development trajectory.