Carter Sanderson made his debut with the Calgary Hitmen on Friday night, and the 19-year-old played a big role in the team’s 6-1 victory over the Edmonton Oil Kings. Sanderson had a goal and two assists and says it was a fun night. “It was awesome,” said Sanderson. “I think coming into an organization like this and playing in the Saddledome in front of the fans that are here around Calgary was super awesome, and having the warm welcome that I did and being able to have a great first game and being able to get the win out of it was super cool.” Great addition Sanderson wasn’t on the ice on Monday; he was taking a maintenance day. Head coach Dustin Friesen says he was impressed with what he saw from Sanderson in his first game. “We’re really excited to have him as part of our team,” said Friesen. “He has a lot of pro intangibles with leadership, and he plays a hard 200-foot game. He has a lot of qualities that we talk about on our roster to be a really positive addition to our group.” Getting to know Sid Sanderson played with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL last season but wanted a new challenge, so he joined the Hitmen. He was drafted in the sixth round, 169th overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2025 NHL entry draft. Sanderson just got back from Pens camp, where he spent 15 days with legends like Sidney Crosby. The 19-year-old says he learned a lot. “I’ve met him before and have hung out with him,” said Sanderson. “But being able to share some lunches or breakfasts together was definitely cool. “Just being able to be around them and learn from them, but then also get to play with them on the ice, was super cool.” Making history Sanderson is from Pierre, S. Dak., and he made history at the 2025 draft. He became the first player from that state to get drafted into the NHL. Sanderson knows former Flame Walker Duehr, who is also from South Dakota. Sanderson says Duehr’s been giving him some great advice. “In the long run, there are guys from all over the world that are getting drafted and playing at a high-end level,” he said. “So just take it one day at a time, but also to give back to my hometown state and to the people that are around there is super awesome.” Sanderson and the Hitmen are off to a perfect 3-0 start to the season. They’ll be in Lethbridge to play the Hurricanes on Saturday night and then back home to play the Regina Pats on Sunday afternoon.
