Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

Veteran d-man wants to remain healthy

Welcome back Carter

Sep 4, 2024 | 7:00 AM

Carter Kowalyk won’t forget July 8th. 

While it’s the day he was born, 19 years ago in St. Albert, Alberta, the Kelowna Rockets defenseman received some good news that same day from his agent Rich Winter. 

“I got a phone call [this summer] on my birthday that Carolina [Hurricanes] wanted me to come out,” Kowalyk told RocketFAN last week. “My agent didn’t know it was my birthday, as he didn’t wish me a happy birthday, but he gave me good news I was going to an NHL training camp.” 

Kowalyk was one of 22 players named to the Hurricanes roster for what the NHL team calls its Prospects Showcase, which runs September 13th to the 16th in Nashville, Tennessee. It features games against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nashville Predators, and Florida Panthers prospects. 

“I expect to learn a lot,” he said before suffering an injury late in Saturday evenings scrimmage as Team Schenn defeated Team Gorges 9-5. “I am going to where I want to eventually end up in my career. I just want to be a sponge out there and get some experience.” 

Roster changes and renovations

Things that make me go hmm...

Apr 01, 2025

Playing with passion amid losing record

Things that make me go hmm...

Mar 18, 2025

Notes, quotes and anecdotes

Things that make me go hmm...

Feb 20, 2025

One of seven 2005-born players on the Rockets roster, Kowalyk knows that he has to play to his strengths to catch the eye of NHL scouts.   

“Does this invite give me motivation? Maybe extra motivation,” he added. “It gives me a lot of confidence for sure.” 

Whether he is healthy enough to suit up for the Hurricanes for a taste of pro hockey, Kowalyk is glad to have a medical procedure this summer in his rearview mirror as he prepares for his first full season with his new team. 

“I had bad hips, as I couldn’t really skate well,” he admitted. “I went under the knife for a labral tear and it’s been better ever since. My skating has improved and my hips feel awesome.” 

Acquired January 10, 2024 from the Edmonton Oil Kings in a rare three team deal that also involved the Saskatoon Blades, the hardnosed d-man appeared in 26 games with the Kelowna Rockets last season, scoring once and adding six assists. In ten playoff games, the 6’3 left shooting defender had an assist in game five of an opening-round playoff series against the Wenatchee Wild.   

“I am looking forward to this season,” he said. “Fans haven’t seen a healthy Carter Kowalyk. I have been on a winning team before [Edmonton Oil Kings], winning a WHL championship and this team feels a lot like it. I can’t wait to get started.” 

With the team opening the pre-season schedule this weekend against the Kamloops Blazers in a home and home series, the fourth round selection in the WHL Prospects Draft believes two teammates, who look physically more mature, will cause opposing defensemen headaches when the regular season begins September 21st against the visiting Portland Winterhawks.   

“Tij [Iginla] looks really good,” he said with a grin. “His chest and his shoulders are bigger.

“The same for Horoki Gojsic. I can’t wait to see what these guys can do this season.”