Carter Zalischuk grew up with the Dauphin Kings as more than just his hometown hockey team—they were his heroes. From a young age, he was the wide-eyed kid in the stands, never missing a game, always ready to collect autographs from the players he idolized. Little did he know, he was destined to skate in their footsteps.
Carter’s own journey was nothing short of remarkable. A standout player in Dauphin’s minor hockey scene, he quickly earned a reputation for being a game-changer. With a national title as part of Team Manitoba under his belt, and a historic playoff run with the U-18 Rangers in 2022—breaking a 20-year drought—it was clear he was a player built for big moments. By the spring of that same year, his childhood dreams became reality: Carter Zalischuk was officially a Dauphin King.
In his rookie season with the Kings, Carter proved himself, playing 44 games, scoring five goals, and adding five assists. He returned the following season, suiting up for 47 games and continuing to make his presence felt with eight points. But his value to the team wasn’t measured in goals alone—it was in his grit, heart, and hustle. Whether it was killing penalties, delivering a thunderous hit, or energizing his teammates, Carter became the player his coaches could always rely on.
With Carter in the lineup, the Kings battled their way to the Turnbull Cup playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Fans won’t soon forget the seven-game showdown against the Blizzard—a series that will go down in Dauphin hockey lore.
Fast forward to the 2024-25 season, and everything changed. Just as Carter was gearing up for another year with his hometown team, the unexpected happened: a trade. He was sent to the Swan Valley Stampeders, a team in the middle of a rebuild, with a roster brimming with untapped potential. For the first time in his career, Carter packed his bags and left the familiar comforts of home behind, embarking on a nearly two-hour journey north to Swan Valley.
Now, 27 games into his debut season with the Stampeders, Carter is thriving. While he misses the tight-knit community of Dauphin and the faces he grew up with, life in the valley has brought new challenges and fresh opportunities. Surrounded by a mix of rising stars and seasoned talent, Carter is carving out his place in this next chapter of his hockey career, proving that no matter where he plays, his passion for the game and his drive to succeed remain unshakable.
"Things have been going great, we have a great group of guys, we're all super tight," said Zalischuk. "I'm having a ton of fun here and I have a great billet family as well, definitely happy to be a Stampeder."
Carter has stepped into a new role with the Stampeders. He is enjoying more ice time and while it has been a relatively tough season for the team, Carter is soaking it all in and trying to improve his game while helping the team make a jump up the standings.
"It's been an awesome experience meeting new guys and it means a lot to me knowing how I was welcomed with open arms," said Zalischuk. "We have had a lot of fun as a group and everyone is pushing to become the best versions of themselves."
Recently, Carter Zalischuk took center stage at the Swan Valley Stampeders' inaugural skills competition inside the buzzing Centennial Arena. It was a clash between Team White and Team Black in a series of thrilling events: the hardest shot, fastest skater, obstacle course, shootout, and the jaw-dropping goaltender goal challenge.
Carter, representing Team Black, didn’t just show up—he put on a show. In the highly anticipated obstacle course event, all eyes were on the Dauphin native as he navigated the cones and challenges with precision and great speed. With a blazing time of 25.66 seconds, Carter narrowly edged out his fierce competitor, Landen Gulutzan, dramatically clinching the crown.
The competition wasn’t just about the results—it was about camaraderie, entertainment, and celebrating the skill and spirit of the game. Players and fans alike left the arena energized and excited for what was to come, and Carter once again proved why he’s a fan favourite—both for his on-ice brilliance and his love for the game.
"That was a lot of fun to be able to do that in front of some great fans, it was great for the organization and I know everyone had a blast," continued Zalischuk. "I was happy to win that medal in the obstacle course, it was an event that I won't forget. I was hoping our team came out on top but that's okay," said Zalischuk with a chuckle.
Carter was back on the ice with the team practicing on Monday as they prepare for a pair of games this weekend against the Blues and Waywayseecappo and when they hit the ice on Friday, they'll do so riding a three-game winning streak.
Powered by an 11-goal output in two games against the Wolverines over the weekend, Swan Valley completed their first-weekend sweep of the season. The two wins also saw the team sit within four points of the fourth and final playoff spot in the West Division. Swan Valley beat Virden right before dispatching the Wolverines twice.
The Stampeders have also won five of their last seven games and are quietly becoming a team that if you take any shifts off, they'll make you pay.
"The morale in the room is very high right now, we want to make a push to the playoffs," ended Zalischuk. "I believe that we have the group to make that push and get into the big dance. Exciting times here, we're looking forward to moving ahead with this group."
Carter has two goals and five assists this season, to go along with 41 penalty minutes.
