In the competitive world of U Sports hockey, some players shine not just with flashy goals but with unwavering reliability and multifaceted skill. For the reigning Canada West champion University of Saskatchewan Huskies, that player is Carter Stebbings, a forward whose value extends far beyond the scoresheet.
The Ultimate Team Player
Standing at five-foot-nine, Carter Stebbings might have been initially overlooked when he entered U Sports, but he has firmly established himself as an indispensable asset for the Huskies. Described by his coach as the 'lowest maintenance kid you'll ever see,' Stebbings is a quiet, mild-mannered, and deeply respected member of the team. His coach, Brandin Cote, who first worked with him in the WHL, praises him as the 'ultimate team guy.'
Stebbings' impact is defined by his remarkable versatility. He is a true utility player, capable of slotting into any role the game demands. 'My versatility is probably my biggest strength, whether it's killing penalties or being out there on the power play,' Stebbings explained. This adaptability has earned him the complete trust of his coach and a permanent spot in the lineup every night.
Excelling in Every Situation
The statistics and his on-ice responsibilities tell the story of a complete hockey player. In the first 12 Canada West conference games of the season, Stebbings has recorded an impressive 8 goals and 2 assists for 10 points. More notably, he is one of only four U of S forwards to have played in every single one of those 12 games.
His contributions are not limited to offense. Stebbings is a key component of both the penalty kill and the power play units. He is known for blocking shots, being defensively responsible, and doing all the little things that often go unnoticed but are crucial for winning teams. His consistency has been a hallmark of his Huskies career, with 29 goals in his last 67 Canada West conference games.
Success Beyond the Ice
Carter Stebbings' excellence is not confined to the rink. Off the ice, he is an Academic all-Canadian at the U Sports level and is consistently recognized with some of the Huskies' most prominent academic scholarships. 'Every year, he gets a prominent academic award,' Coach Cote noted, highlighting the student-athlete's dedication to his studies.
The 23-year-old's hockey journey began in Saskatoon, where he spent three seasons with the Saskatoon Blazers AAA under-18 squad, serving as captain in his final year. He then moved on to the Western Hockey League's Swift Current Broncos, which is where Coach Cote first witnessed his potential firsthand.
As the Huskies, with a record of 8-3-1, prepare for a tough matchup against the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds (12-1-1), players like Stebbings will be more critical than ever. His coach perfectly encapsulates his value: 'He's really like a Swiss Army Knife, right?' A versatile, reliable, and utterly selfless player, Carter Stebbings is the quiet engine that helps drive the Saskatchewan Huskies toward continued success.
