Defenceman Carson Carels has committed to play for North Dakota in the NCAA for the 2026-27 season, he announced on Instagram on Monday.
Carels, 17, was one of the best defencemen in the Western Hockey League this year, registering 20 goals and 73 points in 58 games with a plus-23 rating with the Prince George Cougars.
He helped lead Prince George to a 44-14-10 record, finishing third in the Western Conference. The Cougars fell in the second round of the playoffs to the expansion Penticton Vees in six games.
The 6-foot-1, left-shot blueliner recorded a goal and 10 points in 10 playoff games before being eliminated.
“I’m pleased to announce my commitment to play Division 1 hockey at the University of North Dakota to continue pursuing my hockey career and furthering my education,” Carels said on Instagram. “Thank you to everyone who’s made a significant impact on my career thus far — my family, friends, coaches, teammates, and the whole Prince George organization and community.
“Thank you for shaping me to the person I am today and making the past three years the best years of my life.”
Carels played his entire three-year WHL career with the Cougars, recording 26 goals and 111 points in 125 games.
The Cypress River, Man., native represented Canada at the 2026 World Juniors, recording an assist in a bronze-medal finish.
He also represented Canada at the 2025 Under-18 World Hockey Championship and 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, taking home a gold and bronze medal, respectively.
Carels is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo at the end of June and is ranked No. 2 on TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button’s March draft list.
