Chapter 15: Ty Pratte
His dad and grandparents had season tickets.
He grew up in Moose Jaw and was one of the biggest Warriors fans around. He watched some incredible talent that has gone on to become star players in the National Hockey League.
For Ty Pratte, growing up in Moose Jaw was incredible.
"Yeah, every day was kind of a dream going to watch. I watched some special players like Morgan Reilly and Brayden Point," said Pratte. "Then in that 2023-24 season, they won the Ed Chynoweth Cup, the WHL Championship. That was super cool to see. It was great for the team and the community. Everyone was a Warrior."
Growing up in the Moose Jaw Minor Hockey Association, Pratte progressed to the Warriors U15 AA team in the 2019-20 season, where he had two goals and 14 points in 30 games. The following year, Ty made a change and went to Prairie Hockey Academy. A member of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, Ty played with three different teams at the academy from 2020 to 2023.
In his final year with the U18 Prep team, Pratte had six goals and 36 points in 33 games. He also had two points in three playoff games. That season was the start of something big for Ty. He was recruited by the Winkler Flyers of the MJHL, where he played 15 games in the 2023-24 season.
Ultimately, Ty's tenure in Winkler was short. After 15 games, he was acquired by the Dauphin Kings. He ended that season by nabbing four assists in 19 games as an 18-year-old. Last season, Pratte made a statement.
He had an impressive 33 points in 53 regular-season games. For the Kings, only MJHL Defenceman of the Year, Naaman Hofer (50), and Matthew Thomas (36) scored more among rearguards. Pratte had 10 regular-season power-play assists, tied for the fourth most on the team.
"Yeah, I think for the year myself, I was able to look up to the older guys on the team, and try to be like them," continued Pratte. "I tried to push myself to be the best player possible on and off the ice. I was able to keep my body in shape."
Ty is back with the Kings this year. He's now played 84 games in the Blue & White and has enjoyed every moment.
"I've loved my time here. I'm nothing but thankful, I've had great billets, and met great people," added Pratte. "I'm going to cherish my past teammates and the ones I go to battle with this season. I've made friendships that will last a lifetime. It's a special feeling to be a King, I love it."
It's been a little bit of a rollercoaster lately for the team. After starting the season 10-2-1, the team lost four straight games. All of a sudden, they were 10-6-1. Then the team caught fire, winning six in a row.
They were 16-6-1. Heading into Saturday's game against the Winnipeg Blues, Dauphin is now 16-8-1, after losing two straight. Dauphin is coming off a season in which they lost in game seven of the Turnbull Cup final.
This year, the playoffs are still a few months away. Dauphin has plenty of work to do. They're comfortably in a playoff spot, but are only three points ahead of the Virden Oil Capitals for first place in the MGEU West Division.
At the same time, the Kings are only six points behind Steinbach for second place in the league.
Despite the recent skid, Pratte has all the confidence in the world in this year's group.
"I have no doubt in my mind that we can make it there again and win a championship this time," commented Pratte. "If we can find that next little step in our game with confidence and wanting it, there's no doubt in my mind. We believe we can do something special for the organization and the Dauphin community."
Saturday's game will only be Ty's 13th of the season. He's missed 13 games this season with an illness. He wasn't with the group for a good portion, while he recovered in Moose Jaw.
"That was super hard and challenging watching the team go out there, and I couldn't do anything to help," said Pratte. "Every day, I just looked forward to getting back on the ice and being back with the team. Guys on the team were reaching out to me and making sure I was doing well."
In his 12 games played so far, Ty has certainly made an impact. He's averaging more than a half-point per game, with 2 goals and 7 points in 12 games. Fresh off last year's career year, Pratte remains a solid offensive producer from the back end.
"So far, I would say I'm pleased with how I've been playing. With that said, I would like to produce more for the team. I'm a 20-year-old, so I need to be a leader and a guy that the younger guys look up to," offered Pratte. "I'm trying to find sticks and lanes to get the puck towards the net, and then our forwards can bang the puck in."
However, the rest of the season shakes up for the team; there's some extra motivation to make a deep push this year for Ty. He gets to go to battle with his brother. His younger brother, Kale, is having a solid rookie campaign with seven goals and two assists.
Kale joined the team after also playing at Prairie Hockey Academy.
"I'm at a loss for words when I try to describe the feeling. It's pretty special. It's rare for brothers to play together at a high level," said Pratte. "To play with Kale means everything. It's very exciting to see how he's playing and fitting in. It's awesome to watch. I don't have to watch him in FloHockey anymore; I get to battle with him on the ice. It truly is a dream come true for me."
Pratte says he's proud of his brother and knows big things are on the way.
You can hear Darnell Duff's full chat with Ty Pratte during the team's power play show on Friday afternoon at 4:00.
Get To Know Pratte:
What's your favourite hockey memory? I would say last year's run to the final. Going all the way to game seven, building all those memories, and playing with guys I never thought I would. I still talk to the guys on the team.
I know you've travelled plenty in the past, but where would you go now if you could? I would say Italy. The different types of foods and things you could see. I think that would be pretty special to visit there.
What's your routine on the team's charter bus? I chat with guys right off the bat, and then slowly hunker down. I'll watch a couple of movies or shows. I'm really big into Land Man right now, so I've been grinding that on the bus. After the game, I'm fired up, so I can't really sleep. We play cards and chat.
What's your favourite show? Yellowstone. It's incredible, and I enjoyed watching it.
What's your favourite movie? 8 Seconds. It's an inspiring movie, and fun to watch.
Ty and the team are back in action on Saturday. The Winnipeg Blues are in town at 7:00 p.m.