Hawke Huff, a 2026 fifth‑round selection by the Seattle Kraken, has etched his name into franchise history as the first prospect from Washington state to earn a spot in the team’s pipeline.
Selected in the fifth round of the 2026 draft, Huff’s ascent began in the USHL with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, where his defensive play earned him a nomination for Defenseman of the Year and a place on the league’s All‑Star First Team.
Born in Mazama and raised in Winthrop, Huff’s early years were marked by outdoor rink sessions and a family move to Arizona before he settled in Minnesota, a journey that shaped his blue‑collar work ethic.
Under the tutelage of coach Mark Carlson, Huff refined his game mid‑season in 2024‑25, a period that saw his character and consistency draw praise from Kraken scouts.
A Path Forged by Mentorship
Carlson’s guidance proved pivotal, turning raw talent into a disciplined defender ready for the rigors of professional hockey, a transformation that underscores the importance of strong coaching in player development.
Off the ice, his mother Tanava, a Tacoma native who attended North Seattle Community College, has been a steady influence, while his nickname “Hawke” traces back to a family lineage tied to his great‑great‑great grandmother’s middle name.
The next chapter finds Huff committing to NCAA Division I St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he will continue to develop ahead of a potential NHL debut.
Huff’s story also reflects a broader narrative of perseverance, illustrating how a player from a modest Washington town can navigate multiple states, junior leagues and academic commitments to reach the cusp of the NHL.