Everything you need to know about Carson Carels

Carson Carels is considered by many to be one of the most talented young hockey players in the world. He is expected by numerous experts and analysts to be a top-ten pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Born in 2008 in Cypress River, Manitoba, Canada, the defenseman has already impressed hockey fans. But who is he really? Below, you will find everything you need to know about Carson Carels.

Carson Carels: Early Life

Carson Carels was born on June 23, 2008, in Cypress River, Manitoba, Canada. His parents are Ryan Carels and Stacy Carels. Ryan played hockey in his younger years, and Carson began skating at the age of four. He shoots left.

Carson Carels: Youth Career

For the 2021–2022 season, Carson Carels enrolled at the Pilot Mound Hockey Academy in Manitoba. Representing their U15 team, Carels recorded 19 points (two goals and 17 assists) in 26 games.
The following season (2022–2023), he tallied 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points in 20 games.
In the 2023–2024 season, Carels played with the U17 team, registering 18 goals and 32 assists for 50 points in 27 games. That same season, he made his WHL debut for the Prince George Cougars, playing seven games and recording three assists.

Senior Career

In the 2024–2025 season, Carels played 60 games for the Cougars, tallying six goals and 29 assists for 35 points.
In the 2025–2026 season, he was named an alternate captain and recorded 73 points (20 goals and 53 assists) in 58 games.

International Career

Carson Carels has represented Team Canada at the U17, U18, and U20 levels.
In 2024, he won a silver medal at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge, recording four assists in four games.
At the 2025 World U18 Championship, Carels and Team Canada won gold, with Carson scoring one goal in seven games.
He also represented Team Canada at the 2026 World Junior Championships, tallying one assist in five games as the team earned a bronze medal.

Carson Carels: NHL Career

Many analysts and scouts view Carels as a top-ten pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, possibly even higher, alongside top prospects such as Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg. His size and hockey IQ have impressed scouts and attracted attention from several NHL franchises.

Personal Life

His parents run a ranch with over 500 cattle. Carson Carels has four siblings: Ethan, Jayden, Kadence, and Kendra. There is no public information about him having a girlfriend.