Carson Wetsch

Carson Wetsch
Born (2006-05-04) May 4, 2006 (age 20)
North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Height 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight 190 lb (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb)
Position Right wing
Shoots Right
NHL team (P)
Cur. team		 San Jose Sharks
San Jose Barracuda (AHL)
NHL draft 82nd overall, 2024
San Jose Sharks
Playing career 2026–present

Carson Wetsch (born May 4, 2006) is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected 82nd overall by the 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.

Playing career

Wetsch began his WHL career with the Calgary Hitmen during the 2022–23 season, recording 21 points in 45 games. 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. 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.

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. In early games with Kelowna, he recorded multi-point performances and continued to be recognized for his physical style, forechecking pressure, and leadership maturity.

In May 2026, he was signed by the San Jose Sharks to a three-year entry-level contract.

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.

Awards and honours

In June 2025, Wetsch received the Dayna Brons Honorary Award from Hockey Gives Blood for his commitment to blood donation causes.

Career statistics

Medal record
Men's ice hockey
Representing  Canada
World U18 Championship
Gold medal – first place2024 Finland
Hlinka Gretzky Cup
Gold medal – first place2023 Slovakia/Czech Republic
World U-17 Hockey Challenge
Silver medal – second place2022 Canada

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GPGAPtsPIM GPGAPtsPIM
2021–22 Calgary Hitmen WHL 10000 —————
2022–23 Calgary Hitmen WHL 4510112122 51010
2023–24 Calgary Hitmen WHL 6725255089 —————
2024–25 Calgary Hitmen WHL 6833195268 115168
2025–26 Kelowna Rockets WHL 6522507280 82246
WHL totals 271101124225279 24831114

International

Year Team Event Result GPGAPtsPIM
2022 Canada Red U17 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 722412
2023 Canada HG18 1st place, gold medalist(s) 51230
2024 Canada U18 1st place, gold medalist(s) 621325
Junior totals 18551037

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Carson Wetsch profile". Elite Prospects. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  2. ↑ "Carson Wetsch WHL Stats". HockeyDB. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  3. ↑ "Wetsch named Hitmen captain". Rocket Fan. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  4. ↑ "Rockets name Carson Wetsch captain". CHL. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  5. ↑ "WHL: Medicine Hat 4 – Kelowna 3". Neutral Zone. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Sharks sign forward Carson Wetsch to entry-level contract". May 13, 2026. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
  7. ↑ Cunningham, Jordy (June 19, 2025). "Newest Rocket wins Dayna Brons Honorary Award from Hockey Gives Blood". Capital News. Kelowna, B.C. Retrieved December 9, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.

Further reading