Gavin Katz isn’t just chasing a dream—he’s building one, brick by brick. His journey is also keeping the Shattuck St. Mary’s to Green Bay Gamblers pipeline alive and well.
For Katz, the road to becoming an NHL hopeful hasn’t been paved with flashy headlines or overnight breakout performances. Instead, it’s been a testament to steady effort, long-term vision, and deliberate development.
His standout final season with Shattuck-St. Mary’s 18U team wasn’t the product of a hot streak or a lucky bounce, it was the result of four years of grinding in a competitive environment, surrounded by elite players and world-class coaching.
While Katz considered making the jump to the USHL for the 2024–25 season, the 18-year-old—who turns 19 next March—ultimately decided that staying at Shattuck would better serve his development.
“The guys that stayed for four years—it’s a proven path, and I think it works out best,” Katz told PuckPreps.
The forward led his team in goals (43) and points (93), while his 50 assists ranked third, signaling an all-around stat line that reflects both his scoring touch and playmaking ability. Most notably, his 43 goals marked a seven-goal jump from the previous season, an improvement that didn’t happen by accident.
Last summer, Katz dedicated hours to fine-tuning his shot.
He focused on release speed, shooting in stride, and attacking from deceptive angles, targeting areas like over the goalie’s shoulder or tucked under the arm, rather than predictable corners. That unpredictability made his shot especially effective on the power play, where he excelled down low with precise finishes.
“I used to always focus on the next pass, even in tight (spaces),” Katz said. “I tried to get away from that a bit and just start shooting more—from anywhere, from the top of the circles down. I thought I could start putting more pucks on net.”
Versatility is another defining aspect of Katz’s game. While he’s leaned toward playing wing in recent seasons, he’s also logged significant time at center, giving him a well-rounded hockey IQ and valuable flexibility to slot anywhere in the lineup.
At 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, Katz may not fit the traditional mold of a power forward, but he doesn’t let that define his game. He plays with grit, drives hard to the net, and embraces physical battles. He’s also focused on improving his skating speed, knowing that quickness and agility can help offset any size disadvantage.
“I’m developing more into someone who gets to the net and doesn’t shy away from physicality,” Katz said. “I take a bunch of hits in a game, but it doesn’t really change the way I play. I’m not going to shy away because of it.”
Originally drafted by the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the 2023 USHL Phase I Draft, Katz was traded to the Green Bay Gamblers this spring, a move that aligns perfectly with his development plan. Following in the footsteps of former Shattuck standouts like Will Zellers and Aidan Park, he sees Green Bay as the ideal launchpad before heading to college hockey.
What’s the next stop? The University of Minnesota. From early on in his recruitment, Katz had one school in mind: the Gophers.
While interest picked up during the second half of his 16U season, once the opportunity with Minnesota came into view, it was a natural fit. The coaching staff has supported his decision to play a year in the USHL before stepping into the college game, allowing him space to grow and continue his upward trajectory.
“[Minnesota] said whatever I want—whatever I think is best for me—they’ll support me in any way and do whatever I need to help myself,” Katz said.
As he prepares for the 2025–26 USHL season, Katz isn’t just out to prove he belongs. He’s ready to show he can take over, just like his former Shattuck teammates. And should he go undrafted in the 2025 NHL Draft, a strong USHL campaign could position him as an intriguing re-entry candidate in next year’s draft.