FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2026
Jacqueline Hixssen | Anchorage Wolverines
ANCHORAGE, AK — Plenty of recognizable names have worn the USA jersey as members of the U.S. National Team Development Program U17 team, including Quinn and Jack Hughes, Brock Faber, Tage Thompson, and Dylan Larkin.
But for Anchorage, one name currently on the roster makes the upcoming exhibition between the U.S. NTDP and the Anchorage Wolverines especially meaningful: Carter Morris.
The Anchorage native—the son of former Anchorage Wolverines General Manager Keith Morris and the younger brother of former Wolverines players Cameron and Cooper Morris—will return to his hometown on September 11 to play his first game in a USA jersey at Sullivan Arena, in front of the family, friends, and coaches who helped shape his hockey career.
“It [Carter’s hockey career] started with South Anchorage Hockey Association and the Alaska Oilers,” Keith Morris said. “This is where he found his love and passion for the game. So many great Alaska hockey people were part of his path to Michigan.”
Despite moving thousands of miles away, Carter has never forgotten where his journey began.
“Anchorage is where I first fell in love with hockey, and it’s where I learned the game,” Carter said. “Getting the chance to come back and play in front of family, friends, former coaches, and the local hockey community is a really special moment that not many people get to experience.”
During his two seasons with Shattuck St. Mary’s (SSM), the 2010-born forward appeared in 107 games, recording 83 goals and 109 assists for 192 points. Before joining SSM, Carter played for Team Alaska, appearing in 48 games during the 2023–24 season and recording 48 points.
Following his time at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Carter earned a spot with the U.S. National Team Development Program U17 team, joining the country’s top young players at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan.
The September 11 exhibition will mark the first time Carter takes the ice wearing the USA jersey in his hometown. He will do so in front of the coaches who helped develop him, the family and friends who have supported him, and inside an arena that has been part of Anchorage hockey for generations.
“Having Carter play for Team USA against the Anchorage Wolverines is an incredibly special moment for me and for the Alaska hockey community,” Anchorage Wolverines General Manager Merit Waldrop said. “I’ve had the opportunity to coach Carter since he first started playing hockey, so watching him wear the Team USA jersey for the first time, in his hometown and against our home team, brings everything full circle. I’m very proud of him, grateful to have been part of his journey, and excited to see what the future holds for him in hockey.”
When Carter received the news that he would play his first game for the U.S. NTDP in Anchorage, his thoughts immediately went to the people who helped him get there.
“I immediately thought about all the people who helped me get to this point and how special it will be to play in front of them,” Carter said.
For the Morris family, watching Carter reach this moment has meant years of practices, tournaments, road trips, and time spent in rinks across the country. His parents have followed his journey every step of the way, including spending time in Michigan to watch him continue to develop with the NTDP.
Now, that journey is coming home.
“It’s hard to put into words what that moment will feel like,” Carter’s mother, Tracy, said. “We have spent years driving to practices, sitting in rinks, and watching Carter work hard toward this goal. Getting the opportunity to watch his first game wearing a USA jersey at Sullivan Arena, where so many Alaskans have played and watched hockey, will be emotional for our family.”
Carter’s journey is one that young local hockey players can look to as an example of what is possible with dedication, hard work, and a willingness to embrace the process.
“Keep working hard and enjoy the process,” Carter said. “There will be challenges along the way, but if you stay committed, listen to your coaches, and continue to improve every day, a lot is possible.”
“Make goals, believe in yourself, and keep chasing them.”
The U.S. NTDP U17 team will face the Anchorage Wolverines in an exhibition game on Friday, September 11, at Sullivan Arena. The teams will meet again on Saturday, September 12.
Tickets are available at tickets.anchoragewolverines.com.
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MEDIA FACT BOX
Name: Carter Morris
Born: 2010
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
Position: Forward
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 165 lbs.
Shoots: Left
Current team: U.S. National Team Development Program U17
Previous team: Shattuck-St. Mary’s
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