| Carson Wetsch | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Born |
(2006-05-04) May 4, 2006 | ||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | ||
| Weight | 201 lb (91 kg; 14 st 5 lb) | ||
| Position | Right wing | ||
| Shoots | Right | ||
| WHL team Former teams |
Kelowna Rockets Calgary Hitmen | ||
| NHL draft |
82nd overall, 2024 San Jose Sharks | ||
Carson Wetsch (born May 4, 2006) is a Canadian ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He was selected 82nd overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Known for his physical, power-forward playing style, Wetsch previously served as captain of the Calgary Hitmen before joining Kelowna.
Early life and development
Wetsch was born in North Vancouver, British Columbia, and grew up playing minor hockey in the Vancouver area. His early development included time in competitive programs that positioned him for progression into major junior hockey. Scouts identified him early as a physically mature skater with strong forechecking ability and presence around the net.[1]
Playing career
Calgary Hitmen (2022–2025)
Wetsch began his WHL career with the Calgary Hitmen during the 2022–23 season, recording 21 points in 45 games.[2] His breakout season came in 2023–24, when he scored 25 goals and 25 assists for 50 points. In 2024–25 he posted 33 goals and was named captain of the Hitmen, recognized for his leadership, communication skills, and involvement in community initiatives such as "Carson’s Crew," a program supporting underprivileged youth.[3] During his time with Calgary, Wetsch was selected 82nd overall by the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the third round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. He remains a prospect within the organization while continuing to play in the WHL.[1]
Kelowna Rockets (2025–present)
Ahead of the 2025–26 WHL season, Wetsch was traded to the Kelowna Rockets. Shortly after joining the team, he was named the 30th captain in franchise history.[4] In early games with Kelowna, he recorded multi-point performances and continued to be recognized for his physical style, forechecking pressure, and leadership maturity.[5]
Playing style
Wetsch is described as a power forward with strong puck protection, net-front presence, and an aggressive forechecking approach. Standing 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) and 201 lb, he excels along the boards and in tight offensive situations. Scouts also note his strong skating stride and ability to generate pressure in the offensive zone.[1]
Awards and honours
In June 2025, Wetsch received the Dayna Brons Honorary Award from Hockey Gives Blood for his commitment to blood donation causes.[6]
Career statistics
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men's ice hockey | ||
Representing .svg/1280px-Flag_of_Canada_(Pantone).svg.png) Canada
| ||
| World U18 Championship | ||
.svg/1280px-Gold_medal_icon_(G_initial).svg.png){kind=icon} |
2024 Finland | |
| Hlinka Gretzky Cup | ||
|
2023 Slovakia/Czech Republic | |
| World U-17 Hockey Challenge | ||
.svg/1280px-Silver_medal_icon_(S_initial).svg.png){kind=icon} |
2022 Canada | |
Regular season and playoffs
| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 2021–22 | Calgary Hitmen | WHL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2022–23 | Calgary Hitmen | WHL | 45 | 10 | 11 | 21 | 22 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2023–24 | Calgary Hitmen | WHL | 67 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 89 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2024–25 | Calgary Hitmen | WHL | 68 | 33 | 19 | 52 | 68 | 11 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 8 | ||
| WHL totals | 206 | 79 | 74 | 153 | 199 | 16 | 6 | 1 | 7 | 8 | ||||
International
| Year | Team | Event | Result | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Canada Red | U17 | 
|
7 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 12 | |
| 2023 | Canada | HG18 | 
|
5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2024 | Canada | U18 |
|
6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 25 | |
| Junior totals | 18 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 37 | ||||
References
- ^ a b c "Carson Wetsch profile". Elite Prospects. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
- ^ "Carson Wetsch WHL Stats". HockeyDB. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
- ^ "Wetsch named Hitmen captain". Rocket Fan. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
- ^ "Rockets name Carson Wetsch captain". CHL. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
- ^ "WHL: Medicine Hat 4 – Kelowna 3". Neutral Zone. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
- ^ Cunningham, Jordy (19 June 2025). "Newest Rocket wins Dayna Brons Honorary Award from Hockey Gives Blood". Capital News. Kelowna, B.C. Retrieved 9 December 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- Saelhof, Todd (14 September 2023). "Wetsch looking to build on strong off-season". Calgary Herald. Retrieved 9 December 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- Saelhof, Todd (1 December 2024). "Hitmen captain Carson Wetsch triggers teddy bear toss on day to remember". Calgary Herald. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- Courville-Lynch, Jesse (12 May 2025). "Sharks Prospect Carson Wetsch Flipped In Blockbuster WHL Trade". The Hockey News. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- "Calgary Hitmen's Carson Wetsch making a difference on and off the ice". Global News (Video). 10 February 2025. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
External links
- Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or The Internet Hockey Database
