(KNOX) -The UND Hockey team starts the 2026-2027 season this Saturday and Sunday.
Wednesday was UND Hockey media day, and Freshman Defenseman Carson Carels is one of the many newcomers on the roster. Carels is an 18-year-old who was drafted sixth overall by the Calgary Flames at the 2026 NHL Draft. As he gets ready to begin his college career, he’s prepared throughout the offseason for this next phase of his career.
Carels is one of the many Canadians on the roster. He says he has been able to play with some of them in the past at different international tournaments.
Last season, he played for the Prince George Cougars of the WHL, which is apart of the CHL (Canadian Hockey League). Carels recorded 20 goals and 73 points in 58 games, as well as 10 points in the playoffs. He was also were a finalist for WHL Defenseman of the Year and had a plus 23 plus minus. He says he plays with a team first mindset.
This season is Carels’ first with UND, and it is the second season Dane Jackson is the Head Coach of this program. He’s enjoyed getting to know Jackson so far, and he is excited to play for him.
Carels was drafted by Calgary in June, and he is the third highest draft pick in UND history. He says that getting drafted is just a starting point for what he wants to accomplish.
Carels is from Cypress River, Manitoba, where he grew up on a family farm. He explains how he has been able to balance his hockey and farming responsibilities.
Carels is excited to be playing at the Ralph Englestad Arena. With how electric the arena gets and the devotion UND fans have, it further motivates him to play to the best of his ability every game.
As the season starts this weekend, Carels wants the public to learn throughout the season that he’s a normal guy with humility.
The Fighting Hawks play Augustana Saturday at 7pm and Manitoba Sunday at 3pm. They begin the regular season next week with a home and home series against Bemidji State.
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