Ryan Carter Returns to Alma Mater as Head Coach of White Bear Lake Girls’ Hockey
White Bear Lake Area High School (WBLAHS) has announced the appointment of former NHL standout Ryan Carter as the recent head coach of the girls’ hockey program. A graduate of the school, Carter returns to his roots bringing a wealth of professional experience from the highest levels of the sport, including nearly a decade in the National Hockey League and a tenure as a prominent sports broadcaster.
- Role: Head Coach, WBLAHS Girls’ Hockey Team.
- NHL Experience: Nine seasons (2006-2017) with five different franchises.
- Career Highlight: Stanley Cup Champion (2007) with the Anaheim Ducks.
- Local Ties: WBLAHS alumnus and former Minnesota State University Mankato player.
- Current Role: Analyst for the Minnesota Wild on FanDuel Sports Network.
A Professional Pedigree Built on the Ice
Carter’s transition to coaching is backed by a rigorous professional career. Over nine seasons in the NHL from 2006 to 2017, Carter appeared in 473 career games, recording 93 points (41 goals and 52 assists), 691 hits, and 444 penalty minutes. His grit and versatility were hallmarks of his game, which saw him suit up for the Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, and the Minnesota Wild.
His time with the Minnesota Wild was particularly impactful, spanning two seasons from 2014 to 2016. During those 113 contests, he tallied 25 points and 103 penalty minutes. Beyond the regular season, Carter’s experience includes 46 Stanley Cup Playoff matches, highlighted by winning the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007.
Returning to the Bears Community
For Carter, this appointment is more than just a coaching job; it’s a homecoming. As a graduate of White Bear Lake Area High School, he is intimately familiar with the community’s passion for hockey. During his own high school career, he helped lead the Bears to the 2001 state high school hockey tournament before playing two seasons at Minnesota State University Mankato from 2004 to 2006.
Brian Peloquin, the WBLAHS Activities Director, emphasized the value of this connection when announcing the hire. “The WBLAHS Activities Office is thrilled to welcome Ryan Carter to our girls’ hockey program,” Peloquin stated. “Carter brings professional expertise as a former NHL player, successful coach and NHL broadcaster. He knows Minnesota hockey, but also has long-standing connections with the community as a graduate from WBLAHS.”
Bridging the Gap: From Broadcast to the Bench
Since retiring as a player in September 2017, Carter hasn’t stepped away from the game. He’s remained a fixture in the Minnesota hockey scene as a color and studio analyst for the Minnesota Wild on FanDuel Sports Network, a role he’s held since September 2018.
His current contributions to the Wild organization extend beyond the broadcast booth. Carter serves as a media and content advisor, collaborating with the team’s marketing, community relations, and digital content departments. He also co-hosts the “Wild on 7th” podcast alongside John King, producer Matt Hussey, and videographer Nick Gilman, providing weekly analysis and insight into the state’s hockey fandom.
Looking Ahead: Growth for the Girls’ Program
The hiring of a former professional athlete and active media personality is expected to bring significant visibility and technical expertise to the WBLAHS girls’ hockey program. By blending the tactical knowledge of an NHL veteran with the communication skills of a broadcaster, Carter is positioned to elevate the development of the student-athletes.
As Peloquin noted, the school is “excited about the growth in our program that will undoubtedly result from Carter at the helm.” With a leader who understands the trajectory from high school athletics to professional stardom, the Bears’ girls’ hockey team enters a new era of ambition and expertise.