Carter Patterson Makes NCAA Commitment to Canisius University
Graphic & Article: Scott Stimson, Blackfalds Bulldogs
Photo Credit: Xander Holcomb, Renegades Photography
The Blackfalds Bulldogs are proud to announce the commitment of Carter Patterson to play NCAA Division One hockey at Canisius University.
Patterson, 20, was acquired midway through the 2022-23 season from the Merritt Centennials of the BCHL. In 32 games with the Bulldogs last season, he scored 1 goal and 10 points. This season, Patterson’s game has elevated as he has 7 goals and 29 points in 40 games so far. Patterson is currently tied for 7th in AJHL scoring by defencemen.
The offseason is when Patterson went to work in developing his game. “I put in a lot of work over the summer to try and take that next step going into this year. My coaches and teammates helped give me the confidence to play my game and try and help the team win in whatever way I can each night. The culture of the team makes it easy to come to the rink each day and get better, which contributes a lot to the success of the team and players,” said Patterson.
The work he did in the offseason was notable to Bulldogs’ Director of Hockey Operations Al Parada, “He took what the coaches told him at year end meetings last season and worked his butt off this past summer and added 20 lbs to his 6’4” frame, improved his foot speed and puck skills, and came into camp this year a different player.”
Bulldogs’ Head Coach Doug Quinn noted Patterson has improved many aspects of his game and has become a top defenceman in the AJHL, “This year Carter has taken his game to a higher level. Carter has improved his strength, skating and his overall conditioning and also has taken on a leadership role.”
Quinn continued, “Carter is a top defender with a long stick. He leads our team in hits and blocked shots and now has developed the offensive side of his game.”
Parada had high praise for Patterson and the work he put in, “He deserves this so much and by putting in the work and listening to what he needed to do and making it happen. Canisius is getting a well-rounded defenceman and an even better person who is great in the dressing room and respected by all his teammates.”
“Carter is one of the top defenceman in the AJHL and will be ready for the next step when he starts his career at Canisius University,” Quinn said.
Patterson is thrilled with the opportunity to play at Canisius University, “I couldn’t be happier to commit to Canisius University. It is rewarding to see the hard work pay off so it is a great feeling to be given such a great opportunity. I am super excited to see what the future holds at Canisius.”
When asked if there was anyone he wanted to thank, Patterson said:
“There are so many people I can thank that have helped a lot through this process. My parents, for all their support and guidance along this journey. They are a major contributor to my success shaping me into the person I am today. As well, I’d like to thank my coaches and teammates for pushing me each day to be a better teammate and player. They have believed in me from the start while giving me the opportunity to get better each day. Lastly, my billets who have made the transition to juniors so smooth and easy and have provided me with an environment to succeed.”
The entire Bulldogs organization would like to congratulate Carter and his family on his commitment and wish him the best of luck at Canisius University!
The Bulldogs’ next home game is Saturday, January 6th at 6:00 pm against the Grande Prairie Storm presented by Carpet One. Tickets to the game can be purchased here: https://www.showpass.com/202324-bulldogs-single-game-tickets/
