Now in his third season with the Portland Winterhawks, defenceman Carter Sotheran is stepping into a new role on and off the ice, embracing the responsibilities that come with being a seasoned player on a young and evolving team.
With 14 games under his belt this season, Sotheran has already contributed with 1 goal and 4 assists, and he’s looking forward to making an impact in more ways than one. Sotheran is from Sanford, where he grew up playing hockey under the support of his parents Ryan Sotheran and Regan Windsor.
Reflecting on his journey, Sotheran shared that he’s come a long way since joining the Winterhawks as a 17-year-old.
“It feels good to be in my third year here in Portland,” he said. “It’s a very nice city with amazing fans and a great organization. Coming in as a 17-year-old not knowing much, I feel I’ve learned a lot on and off the ice.”
Sotheran finds himself in the unique position of both leading and learning, passing his knowledge on to younger teammates while continuing to grow.
“The biggest change is now passing knowledge on to the younger players, while still absorbing what I can,” he adds.
For Sotheran, this season is all about building his reliability and adaptability. His personal goals emphasize strengthening his game.
“I want to be reliable in all three zones, adapt and become a great leader, and be coachable to my best ability. Those are three things I strive for,” he shares.
Sotheran posted 40 points in 66 games last season. The Philadelphia Flyers prospect ranked second among Winterhawks defencemen with 17 goals last year in the regular season and postseason. During the 2024 WHL Playoffs, Sotheran recorded 11 points in 14 games and he led the league with a +20 rating in the postseason.
As one of the veteran players, Sotheran hopes to provide a stable presence for the new faces on the team, a responsibility he takes seriously but approaches with his usual steady mindset.
“I wouldn’t say I approach it any differently,” he said. “I’d say it’s been the same approach for me since I was 17. Come in every day and try to get a little bit better. I want to be a guy that the young guys look up to and feel comfortable coming up and talking to.”
Head Coach Kyle Gustafson, who remembers Carter’s natural talent from when he was drafted at 15, has also seen tremendous growth in the young defenceman.
“Carter had a big role with our success last season, playing in our top four defence,” notes Gustafson. “With the graduation of players, and Carter’s growth, we need him to step up in a leadership role and play key minutes on the ice. We’re excited to watch Carter’s progression this year.”
Sotheran’s focus on being a dependable leader fits well with Gustafson’s vision for the team’s defence. Known for his quick thinking and skating ability, his strengths lie in helping the Winterhawks maintain smooth breakouts and effective zone exits, critical for the team’s style of play.
“Carter is a big right-shot defenceman who can skate, and he thinks the game at a high level,” said Gustafson.
Looking ahead, Carter is optimistic about the team’s potential and is eager to see how they grow together through the season’s challenges.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how far this team can progress,” he said. “Being on a younger team is different, but it’s a new challenge that I’m excited for. Being with new guys, new coaches, and building together as a group throughout the year.”
With a combination of hard work, a solid skill set, and a dedication to his teammates, Sotheran is positioned to make a meaningful impact both as a player and a mentor for the Winterhawks this season.
