When Carson Lambos was drafted by the Kootenay Ice in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft, there was an expectation for him to do big things for the franchise moving forward. Kootenay selected Carson with their second overall pick, right after Dylan Guenther was taken first.
From that day on, Carson was widely known as the “Future of the franchise”. Beginning in the 2016-17 season, Carson played his hockey in Winnipeg with the Rink Hockey Academy program. Fast forward to the 2018-19 season where he was extremely productive offensively, scoring 31 points in 26 games.
He also made his Western Hockey League debut last season and ended up playing five games with the Ice. The five games resulted in him getting his first ever WHL goal, surely a moment he won’t forget.
Fast forward again to this year and Carson is off to a fantastic start. The team relocated to Winnipeg and not only has that done wonders for the club, but also for Lambos. After winning 13 games all of last season, Winnipeg already has six wins.
Now, it can’t be said it’s because of their relocation to Winnipeg, but it is worth mentioning.
“Yeah, it’s been a really good start, I think we have a really good group,” said Lambos. “I think we have a really big season ahead of us.”
There was no real surprise that the 16-year-old Lambos would start the season with Winnipeg. However, the start he is off to may not have been predicted by most. He’s played in 12 games this season and already has four goals and six assists. Carson is tied for second in team scoring and the nearest defenceman is Reece Harsch with seven points.
“It’s been good. I’m happy with how I’m playing right now,” said Lambos. “Sometimes points come when you’re playing well and sometimes they don’t. I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help the team win games right now.”
“I’m happy to play whatever role for this team, whatever the coach wants me to do I’ll do,” he continued. “Big or small, I’m here to play.”
The 10 points also have him sixth in rookie scoring. Only one other defender is in the top-10, Swift Current’s Kasper Puutio. It is early, but for a defender to break into the league with such a productive offensive season could put him in the conversation as a Rookie of the Year candidate. That is something, however, that Carson isn’t thinking about.
“I just show up to the rink and do whatever the coaches ask,” said Lambos. “I’m really dedicated to helping this team win games. I don’t really focus on that extra stuff.”
Down the road:
Playing for the ICE was one thing Carson knew he would be doing when he was drafted in 2018, but did not expect to be playing in his hometown. The team relocated to Winnipeg from Kootenay this past off-season. As a result, Carson now plays in front of his family and friends more than 30 times per season.
“Yeah, it’s awesome being able to live at home. I get to see my family and friends all the time,” he continued. “It’s been a fantastic experience so far, and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Come early next month, Carson will miss a few of Winnipeg’s games. Not because he’s injured or anything, but because he’s going to be representing the country.
The Winnipeg native made Team Canada White as they take part in the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge in Medicine Hat and Swift Current. Team White will play their three round-robin games at the Canalta Centre in Medicine Hat, home of the Medicine Hat Tigers.
That tournament begins on November 2 and ends on November 9.
“Making Team Canada was a big goal for me, I know I was pushing for it,” continued Lambos. “Having a chance to play for my country is such an honour. I’m really pumped up to represent Canada.”
Carson won’t be the only member of the ICE heading to the event. Lambos will be joined by teammate, Matthew Savoie who will also play on Team White.
“He’s obviously a really good player and having someone I’m familiar with will help,” added Lambos. “Having Matthew playing alongside me is a little bit settling.”
They will play an all-Canadian battle on November 2 against Canada Black. On November 4, they challenge the United States. Their round-robin ends on November 5 against the Czech Republic.
The now:
There is no doubt that the great opportunity of playing for Team Canada is coming up for Lambos, but for now, he’s only focused on just that, the now.
In a sweep of the Saskatoon Blades last weekend, Carson had two goals and he was a +4.
“We’re feeling good heading in. We had a couple really good games against them over the weekend,” said Lambos. “We can’t take them easy. They’re a really good team, and they don’t make things easy. It’s going to be a challenge, and I know everyone is excited for that challenge.”
He was drafted in the WHL Bantam Draft in 2018, and he’s eligible for the NHL Entry Draft in 2021. Above is the story of Carson Lambos’ start in the WHL. It’s been a very successful one and one that he’s looking forward to continuing.
