From the farm to the Flames

CYPRESS RIVER — It began like any other day for Carson Carels: Up at the crack of dawn, feeding his baby goats, driving a herd of hungry cattle and then heading to the rink for a quick workout.

But by the time Friday was over, it was one he would never forget.

Carels was drafted sixth-overall by the Calgary Flames, sharing the experience with more than 100 family members and close friends in an outdoor viewing party held on the family farm here in southwestern Manitoba.

“Just awesome. I’m still shaking right now,” the 18-year-old defenceman told the Free Press moments after hearing his name announced during the television broadcast by Flames legend Lanny McDonald.

Carels jumped out of his lawn chair with a huge smile on his face, hugging his parents and siblings and everyone else in sight. There were high-fives with long-time hockey buddies and plenty of tears to go along with the cheers.

“To hear all their reactions was such a good feeling,” said Carels, flashing a smile as wide as the prairie sky.

Carels popped a bottle of bubbly to celebrate and the party was on.

“This is what every small-town kid dreams of,” said his uncle and frequent minor hockey coach, Danny Carels.

“Kids around here, it gives them hope and shows there’s a chance. It helps hockey all around.”

Carels is the highest Manitoban to be drafted since Nolan Patrick and Cody Glass went second and sixth respectively in 2017. His rugged, two-way play and physically imposing presence — helped by an incredible work ethic forged on the farm — have earned him rave reviews from scouts.

There was lots of intrigue when the draft began, especially after the first three picks went as expected. Plenty of hockey pundits projected Carels could go as early as fourth, a pick originally held by the Chicago Blackhawks.

“They were all in on him from the very beginning,” said his agent, Tobin Wright.

However, all bets were off when the Buffalo Sabres traded defenceman Bowen Byram to the Blackhawks earlier this week for the No. 4 spot — which was then dangled in trade talks with several teams, including the Winnipeg Jets.

“Just awesome. I’m still shaking right now.”

A potential deal involving Connor Hellebuyck, which could have seen Winnipeg swoop in and perhaps grab the local lad, ultimately didn’t come to fruition. Instead, Buffalo picked blue-liner Daxon Rudolph.

That was quickly followed by another defenceman, Alberts Smits, going to New York Rangers.

“The first three picks went by and you kind of know who’s going there. Then from four to me, it was kind of hectic. It was nerve-wracking,” admitted Carels.

“I didn’t really get a good grasp of where I was going to go.”

Suddenly, the idea of falling to No. 8 — where the Jets were waiting to pick — was becoming very real. But that scenario died when Calgary stepped up.

“Calgary is a great fit. They’ve liked him since day one,” said Wright.

Naturally, Carels and his clan would have loved to have Winnipeg come calling. But Calgary is perhaps the next best thing.

“That’s probably a perfect spot to be. Winnipeg would be the best, but it’s almost maybe too close to home,” said Carels father, Ryan.

“Calgary is a great fit. They’ve liked him since day one.”

“When are we buying Flames season tickets?” shouted one of Carels family members in the crowd, drawing laughter.

“I think Calgary is a good spot. I think I’ll fit in quite well,” said Carels, who starred last year with the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League and recently committed to attend the University of North Dakota this fall, assuming the Flames don’t deem him immediately NHL-ready.

Several members and staff of the Cougars travelled to Cypress River — 142 km southwest of Winnipeg — to witness Carels take the next step in his career.

“We jumped on it right away. We were excited to do it,” said Cole Waldie, who does play-by-play for the team and also serves as communications director.

“It’s just very special to be a part of this and pretty unique. Carson is just such a down-to-Earth human being. He just has so many intangibles. He’s such a hard worker and the hockey speaks for itself, we know what he’s able to do. A special kid. I’m so excited to be a part of this. Just an unbelievable guy.”

Wright said having the “village” that helped get Carels to this stage come out in support shows what a special person he is.

“Every interview he’s done, everybody he’s talked to, their immediate call to me is to say what a class act he is, one of the best interviews they’ve ever done,” he said.

“That just speaks volumes to the family and who he is.”

Carels knows the hard work — something he’s certainly no stranger to — is only just beginning. That starts next week when he attends Calgary’s development camp.

Then it’s back to the farm for plenty more daily chores along with his on and off-ice workouts.

“This here is the recognition of the work you’ve put in so far. And now you’ve got to work for the next step,” said Carels’ father, who reflected on how far they’ve all come since starting regular 6 a.m. treks to the hockey rink years ago.

“It’s very exciting. It’s exciting to see all his hard work coming to reality,” added uncle Danny.

“But tomorrow, there’s still work to do. It’s exciting for everybody here. But he’s going to a great organization, and he loves it enough that he’s going to keep going, keep learning, keep getting better.”

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