Less than a month ago, the Dauphin Kings announced the commitment of Joe Gerebi as the Chanhassen native signed his letter of intent to join the Kings in the 2022-23 season.
Now, the organization is at it again. Nick Hatton who serves as team captain for the Bloomington Jefferson High School Jaguars has announced he will also join the team next season. Hatton, who will graduate in the coming months, is thrilled to join a great organization in Dauphin.
“It feels absolutely amazing to sign my intent,” said Hatton. “I’ve heard some incredible things and I can’t wait to head to Dauphin.”
Andy Kubas is the team’s Northern USA Scout and he’s been watching Hatton since grade 10. Just like Gerebi, Andy says not only is Nick an elite hockey player but he’s a tremendous person.
“Really good hockey player, he has great edges and he sees the ice really well,” said Kubas. “He checks off all the boxes as far as what player we want in Dauphin. He’s a really good kid that so happens to be a solid player as well.”
An article came out prior to the Minnesota High School season and it listed three defenceman to watch, two of which are likely to be drafted in the NHL draft, the third was Hatton.
In 21 games this season with his team, Hatton has scored four times and added six assists.
In talking with Doug Hedley, he said he’s very pleased to add a great young talent.
“Andy has done a tremendous job for us, he’s a real professional,” said Hedley. “We’re really excited about Nick, he had quite a few teams from the North American Hockey League that were interested in him. He’s going to fit really well into our identity when it comes to playing fast and moving the puck up the ice. We’re very happy to have him.”
In the Metro West, Bloomington Jefferson is 6-7 in conference play and 9-14 overall. Chaska leads the way at 12-1 in the conference and they’re 17-5 overall. After his season wraps up with Bloomington, Nick is looking forward to spending plenty of time in the gym and on the ice whenever he can as he prepares for his rookie season in Canada in the MJHL.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure I’m ready for the fall,” ended Hatton. “I want to finish out this season with a bang with my high school team and then all of my focus shifts to getting ready for the MJHL.”