Meet Carter Coutu
South Side Athletic Club U18AAA AEHL
Forward – 2005 DOB
6’1” 174lbs
Tell us about your hometown, family and hobbies.
I was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. Edmonton is a city built around hockey, being home to hockey legends such as Gretzky and McDavid. I have a twin brother in my family of 4, my dad has played hockey his entire life and raised my brother and I around hockey. Some of my hobbies are snowboarding, mountain biking and working out. I have played baseball, basketball and soccer competitively. Golf, badminton and football are hobbies I partake in at a non-competitive level.
How did you originally begin playing hockey (what age as well) and what is your favourite memory from when you were younger?
I started skating at 2 years old and began playing hockey at 6 years old. I started playing hockey at the initiation level with my brother because my dad came from a childhood of hockey and signed us up as soon as possible. My favourite memory from when I was younger was during my first year of peewee, I was very nervous going from atom to peewee and didn’t know what to expect. My first game I scored 4 goals and immediately felt a weight lift of my chest.
Who is your favourite NHL player and who do you model your game after? Why?
My favourite NHL player is Connor McDavid as he is a hometown hero here in Edmonton and has brought some hope to us Edmonton fans. I model game after Leon Draisitl as his playmaking, puck protection and hockey IQ makes him one of the league’s best players.
What team do/did you play for? What was your favorite part from the season?
I currently play for the SSAC U18 AAA athletics, we are only halfway through the season but my favourite part so far was when we scored an OT game winning goal with 15 seconds left which put our teams overall win percentage over 0.500.
What are your top goals as a student athlete? Why are they your top goals?
My top goals as a student athlete are to play division one hockey and to earn my master’s degree while playing hockey. I believe earning a master’s degree is a very important part in anyone’s life, after my hockey career comes to an end having a degree would create opportunities needed for the rest of my life. Playing division one hockey has been a dream of mine since day one. I believe playing division one hockey gives me the best opportunities in hockey and after my career.
How important is school from your perspective? Why is it that way?
School is very important as I believe having a high education is a key factor in every athlete’s life. After an athletic career having a high education gives you many opportunities that would not be available without schooling.
What would it mean to you to play at the NCAA or Pro level?
Playing at either the NCAA level or Pro level would be a dream come true, I have worked and hoped all my life to play at those levels. Playing at either of those levels would be the greatest accomplishment of my life.
What separates you as a player or person? How do you continue to get better?
As a player I put myself in positions most athletes don’t, I am always in the corners digging for pucks and winning battles. I have always been a leader on my team both on and off the ice, I always put the team before my personal benefit. As a person I truly value education and my character above all, I believe my education and character will put me in positions to achieve the rest of my goals.
What impact are you looking to have in your sports careers (community, team, success, etc.)
Whatever team I play on I always am looking to create a positive and winning environment throughout the organization. I am always willing to fill whatever role needed to improve the teams success. If possible, I would love to give back to the city of Edmonton in any way I can, this city has given me so many opportunities if possible I wish to continue those opportunities for other kids and athletes.
One fun fact about yourself.
I am younger than my twin brother by 2 minutes.