Carmichael to continue hockey career at U of A
By Danny Rode
While his WHL career didn’t end the way he would have liked, it’s not the end of the hockey road for Elias Carmichael.
The graduating defenceman shared on Friday that he’s set to put his WHL Scholarship to good use and join the famed University of Alberta Golden Bears program this fall.
“I’m excited for that as it’s one of the most sought-after programs. I’m fortunate to play there,” said an excited Carmichael.
The 21-year-old from Langley, BC played his final season in the Western Hockey League with the Rebels in 2023-24 after playing four seasons with the Kelowna Rockets, who selected him 40th overall in round two of the 2018 WHL Prospects Draft.
“I loved it here,” he said of his lone season in Red Deer. “I’m grateful to the team, grateful to the Sutter family for giving me a spot here as a 20-year-old.
“I was nervous coming in, I can’t lie, but everyone opened up to me quickly. It was awesome interacting with the fans. This was a great experience.”
Carmichael suited up for 60 games with the Rebels, collecting a goal and nine assists, before a high ankle sprain suffered and torn ligament in practice brought his season, and WHL career, to an abrupt end.
He said it was tough to have to watch from the sidelines through the rest of the regular season and playoffs.
“It was an unfortunate end to the season not playing … the boys worked so hard. It was a crappy injury, but those things happen. As an older guy all I could do was try to pump up the guys as much as I could.
“This was a great group of guys and I’ll miss every one of them.”
Carmichael finished second on the team, and first among Rebels blue liners, with a plus-15 rating this season.
He finishes his WHL career having played 252 regular season games, with 70 points, and nine playoff contests.
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