Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos

The Soo Thunderbirds are pleased to announce the signing of 17-year-old defenseman Carter Carriere for the upcoming 2025–2026 NOJHL season. Hailing from Sudbury, Ontario, Carriere returns to the Thunderbirds after splitting time last season between the Elliot Lake Vikings and the Thunderbirds.

The 5’9”, 160-pound blueliner played a total of 44 regular season games with Elliot Lake across two seasons, tallying four goals and 13 assists during his time with the Vikings. He joined the Soo Thunderbirds late in the 2024–2025 campaign, immediately making his presence felt by contributing five assists in just six regular season games.

Despite being hampered by injuries when first coming to the Soo, Carriere suited up for eight postseason contests, where he added one goal and four assists. His absence was notably felt during much of the second-round series, underscoring the value he brings to the lineup when healthy.

Thunderbird general manager said that “we are thrilled to have Carter re-sign with the program. Without putting added pressure on Carter we really feel like he can be a difference maker every night in this league. He had a tough season last year, in moving teams and then being injured so he is extremely motivated to get back on track. He’s a legit top pair d-man in our league.”

Carriere told Saultsports that “I decided on coming back to the Sault because I feel I have more to give then what I was able to bring last year battling with things. The Soo made it easy to jump right in too things and compete for a championship from the second I got there. They are a high class organization that have a good history for a reason. The main reason of coming back is the unfinished business with my personal game, but as well as wanting to make a push for a championship with my teammates. Playoff hockey is funnest hockey.”