Thunder Bay is renowned for its hockey legacy, having produced numerous NHL players and even two Hockey Hall of Famers. However, the city’s representation at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships has been relatively limited.
Carter George, hailing from Thunder Bay, made his second appearance at this year’s tournament, following the footsteps of Mackenzie Blackwood’s selection in 2016. George is only the tenth player from Thunder Bay to be chosen for Team Canada in the championship since its inception in 1974, as per Hockey Canada records.
Expressing his pride, George mentioned, “Being a role model for the kids in Thunder Bay and representing the city at this international event was incredibly special to me.” George, now with the Soo Greyhounds in the OHL, previously played for the Thunder Bay Elks and the Thunder Bay Kings before transitioning to major junior hockey. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round of the NHL entry draft in 2024.
At last year’s World Juniors, George had a strong start with two shutout performances against Finland and Germany before Canada’s exit in the quarterfinals against the Czech Republic. This year, Canada secured a medal after a three-year gap, with George taking home a bronze.
Despite not achieving his preferred outcome, this year’s tournament in Minneapolis held special significance for George as it was the closest he had played to his hometown during his major junior career, being just a six-hour drive away.
Reflecting on his journey, George shared, “The overwhelming support from Thunder Bay meant everything to me. They even started a Thunder Bay chant at one point, which was amazing.”
Thunder Bay Kings president Brent Rau highlighted the impact of George’s success on aspiring hockey players in Thunder Bay, noting that the current generation draws inspiration from local NHL stars like Jordan Staal and Robert Bortuzzo.
In recent years, five players from Thunder Bay have been drafted into the OHL, indicating a promising future for minor hockey in the city. Rau anticipates more Thunder Bay talents being selected in upcoming OHL drafts, emphasizing the bright prospects ahead.
George aspires to inspire the next wave of Thunder Bay talent, drawing parallels to his own admiration for Blackwood’s achievements. He expressed, “Seeing Blackwood succeed motivated me, and now I hope to be that source of inspiration for the kids looking up to me today.”