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His progression is going to be used as an example for future players.
When new players are brought into the Soo Greyhounds system through the draft, you can bet they will get to know the name Tye Kartye very well.
A former 8th round pick by the team in the 2017 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection, Kartye’s development over three seasons on the ice is a prime example of taking advantage of an opportunity and making the most out of it to get better.
“We’ll use him as bulletin-board material for all new draft picks and first-year players,” Greyhounds coach John Dean said of the veteran forward. “Here’s how he was in his first year. Here’s how he approached his development. Here’s how he approached video with the coaching staff. Here’s how he approaches post-practice and pre-practice. Here’s how he approached the gym.”
“Fast forward to his overage year and he’s one of the most dominant forwards in the league when he wants to be,” Dean added. “He’s very physical. He’s got a complete game. He can make plays. He’s not one-dimensional. He’s not just a shot. He’s a perfect example of a guy who worked his way into maximizing his potential and I think there is still more.”
What was the recipe for success for Kartye in an overage season that saw him score 45 times and assist on 34 while setting a career high with 79 points in 63 regular season games?
“Just working hard and playing with some great players as well helps a lot,” Kartye said.
Those great players have included spending time on a line with Rory Kerins and Cole MacKay at times throughout the year. The linemates were successful at even strength and have been deadly on the power play this season.
“We know where each other is going to be on the ice,” Kartye said of the trio. “We communicate really well, so that helps. Whether we do something good or bad, we know we can change it for the better.”
Prior to this season, Kartye’s career highs were 25 goals, 28 assists, and 53 points, all set during the COVID-shortened 2019-20 OHL season.
A monster-year offensively in 2021-22 helped the overage forward earn an entry-level contract with the NHL’s Seattle Kraken.
“It was really exciting,” Kartye said of going through the process to sign with the Kraken. “It’s been a long-time coming and I was really happy to get it done.”